Ancient tai chi finds followers among stress-weary urban Turks

ANKARA — A growing number of urban Turks are turning to tai chi, with practitioners and instructors citing stress relief and rising interest in Chinese culture as key drivers in Turkiye's major cities.

Once a little-known discipline in the country, the ancient Chinese martial art is increasingly attracting office workers, professionals and young urbanites seeking physical balance, mental calm and a deeper cultural connection, according to a Turkish tai chi master with three decades of experience.

"People who already feel close to Chinese culture are naturally more interested and more enthusiastic," says Numan Pekgoz, a tai chi master, at his studio in Ankara, where students practice slow, flowing movements in silence.

"Likewise, people who have no prior knowledge of tai chi gradually come to understand the beauty and elements of Chinese culture more closely over time," he points out.

As students continue their practice, Pekgoz says their curiosity often extends beyond physical exercise.

"They start watching films related to China, reading books, and engaging more deeply with Chinese elements," he notes.

Interest in tai chi has risen noticeably in Turkiye, particularly in large cities such as Ankara and Istanbul, Pekgoz says.

"There has been a visible increase in Turkiye, especially over the last 10 years, and particularly over the last five years," he notes. "It is possible to link this partly to social media. We can clearly say that there is a visible interest."

Social media platforms have made Chinese philosophy, wellness practices and traditional arts more accessible, helping tai chi reach audiences who may never have encountered it otherwise.

Pekgoz says the growing interest is not limited to physical wellbeing but also reflects a broader process of cultural exchange between the two countries.

Tai chi can definitely serve as a cultural bridge between China and Turkiye, he says.

"In the near future, there is a need to organize a visit to China with our students, and we have plans in that direction," the master says.

Pekgoz says the appeal of tai chi in Turkiye is also rooted in historical and philosophical connections between the two civilizations.

"There are very strong ties between China and Turkiye," he says. "The philosophical interaction between ancient cultures is significant. Some of the most important roots of our own culture actually originate from Central Asia," Pekgoz emphasizes.

For Pekgoz, China is a vast country, and its diverse philosophical traditions can be observed across various regions.

"It is also possible to observe the influence of those traditions within our own culture," he points out.

In a fast-paced urban environment where instant results are often expected, Pekgoz believes tai chi resonates with people who value patience and long-term commitment.

"At a time when we are accustomed to obtaining everything very easily, there are people who have begun to enjoy the effort required to achieve something," Pekgoz says.

Beyond its cultural and philosophical dimensions, tai chi is increasingly viewed as a response to the psychological challenges of modern urban life.

As cities expand and social structures become more fragmented, Pekgoz says many individuals experience new forms of stress and isolation.

"In city life, we are becoming increasingly individualized. As this happens, problems that did not exist before begin to emerge," he says, stressing the need to restore harmony between humanity and nature.

"Tai chi is not just an exercise art. It should also be seen as a practice that relaxes the mind and body," citing scientifically proven health benefits and its role in fostering cross-cultural understanding, Pekgoz adds.