President of the World Ethnosport Union, Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, Attends the 16th El Jadida Horse Fair in Morocco

Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, President of the World Ethnosport Union, attended the 16th El Jadida Horse Fair held in El Jadida, Morocco, under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, where he met with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan. During the visit, evaluations were made on traditional sports, equestrian heritage, and international cooperation.

Held from September 30 to October 5 under the theme “Horse Welfare: A Bond Connecting Equestrian Practices”, the fair featured exhibitions, competitions, panels, and traditional tbourida performances, making it one of the most prestigious events in the equestrian world.

The World Ethnosport Union conducts international efforts to increase the recognition and promotion of traditional sports and games. With 44 member federations from 30 countries, the Union functions as a systematic umbrella organization. Through organized events, major competitions, cultural festivals, and digital projects, it contributes to transmitting this ancient heritage to younger generations.

Participation in the El Jadida Horse Fair, which has become an international meeting point over the years under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, represents a significant contribution to the World Ethnosport Union’s work in promoting traditional sports globally and preserving cultural diversity for future generations. This participation also enhances the Union’s international visibility and opens avenues for new partnerships.

Letter of Intent between the World Ethnosport Union and Morocco

While the El Jadida Horse Fair provides an important platform for the promotion and dissemination of traditional sports, the World Ethnosport Union also took steps to strengthen relations with North African countries. In this context, a Letter of Intent was signed between the World Ethnosport Union and the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication of Morocco. The agreement and related promotional activities aim to develop new collaborations in the field of traditional sports and games.

President Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan stated:
"Today, we have members from 30 countries, and with Morocco’s participation, this number will rise to 31. Our goal is to increase the number of member countries signing cooperation agreements as well as partnerships with sports ministries. We continue to maintain close cooperation with international organizations, notably UNESCO. Our primary aim is to strengthen the institutional infrastructure of the global traditional sports movement. This allows us both to contribute to the world’s cultural richness through traditional sports and games and to support societies in confidently preserving and practicing their own identities and cultures."