YTB Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Arda Kardzhali Sports Club with a Documentary

The Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Arda Kardzhali Sports Club—founded in 1924 by Turks living in Kardzhali, Bulgaria—with a documentary titled “The Blue Eagle of the Rhodopes: Arda Kardzhali.” The film explores the club’s century-long journey, its Balkan identity, collective memory, and spirit of resilience.

YTB produced the documentary “The Blue Eagle of the Rhodopes: Arda Kardzhali” to honor the Arda Kardzhali Sports Club, which was established in 1924 by Turks in Kardzhali and has achieved numerous accomplishments over more than a century. The documentary premiered during a ceremony held at the People’s Cultural House Hall in Kardzhali on the occasion of the club’s 100th anniversary.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated in his speech that the documentary is a unique work reflecting the spirit of the Balkans, saying, “Today, we are gathered not only to remember the history of a sports club, but also to experience a special documentary that reflects the spirit of the Balkans, the memory of its communities, and the hopes of its youth for the future.”

Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak highlighted that the documentary skillfully conveys the struggle of a community under pressure. “The Eagle of the Rhodopes: Arda Kardzhali tells the story of a significant struggle and of a community that guides its youth through achievements on the field. We thank all the institutions that helped make this meaningful work lasting,” he said.

Speaking at the event, YTB President Abdulhadi Turus stated that Arda Kardzhali Sports Club is more than just a sports club: “Today, we once again see that a club becomes immortal not only through victories on the field but by winning hearts.”

Turus emphasized that Arda Kardzhali serves as a strong bridge of brotherhood that preserves collective memory: “From the neighborhoods of Kardzhali to all of Bulgaria, the club has carried hope, a sense of belonging, and excitement.”

The screening was attended by President of Religious Affairs Safi Arpaguş; Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sofia Mehmet Sait Uyanık; Head of Foreign Affairs, Istanbul MP Zafer Sırakaya; and several members of parliament.