YTB produces documentary for the 100th anniversary of Arda Kardzhali Sports Club
Türkiye’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) has marked the 100th anniversary of Arda Kardzhali Sports Club, based in Kardzhali, Bulgaria, with a special documentary film.
The documentary, titled “The Blue Eagle of the Rhodopes: Arda Kardzhali,” was screened at the Kardzhali Public Cultural House Hall. During the event, YTB President Abdulhadi Turus emphasized that the club is “a champion not only on the field but also in the hearts.” He stated:
“Today we gather for a very special occasion, where culture, identity, belonging, and struggle meet the field, sweat, and brotherhood.”
Founded in 1924 under the name Rodopski Sokol (“Rhodopes Hawk”), Arda Kardzhali has contributed not only to football but also to the collective memory of the region. Turus highlighted the club’s role as a bridge of unity and solidarity — from the neighborhoods of Kardzhali to the stadium stands, and from there to all of Bulgaria.
He noted that the documentary serves as an important cultural memory project and emphasized YTB’s mission to support Turkish and kin communities abroad in building strong, harmonious positions within their societies.
The screening was attended by Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, AK Party Deputy Chair Zafer Sırakaya, Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs President Safi Arpaguş, AK Party Bursa MP Mustafa Yavuz, MHP Mersin MP Levent Uysal, and Turkey’s Ambassador to Sofia Mehmet Sait Uyanık.
