In Honaz, saddle horses raced for the 101st anniversary of the Republic.

Honaz Municipality organized Rahvan Horse Races as part of the October 29 Republic Day celebrations. Honaz Mayor Yüksel Kepenek, noting the high participation despite the short preparation time, stated, “We will have preserved our culture and the historical moments we have fought with horses from Central Asia to the present day here.”

In cooperation with Honaz Municipality and Honaz District Governorship, Rahvan Horse Races were held in the district as part of the October 29 Republic Day events. The event was attended by Honaz District Governor Vahit Yılmaz, Honaz Mayor Yüksel Kepenek, Babadağ Mayor Murat Kumral, the race master Hakan Işık, district protocol, and many citizens. The program began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by a Zeybek dance performance prepared by students before the races. In the races, numerous horses and riders competed with great excitement in categories such as pairs, triples, quadruples, Fresh Five, Deste, Small Middle, Big Middle, Below Head, and Head. At the end of the races, awards were presented to the athletes who ranked in their categories.

“Happy Republic Day to us”

Honaz Mayor Yüksel Kepenek emphasized the importance of such events for the preservation of the Republic, stating, “First of all, happy 101st anniversary of our Republic to all of us. This country has gone through many hardships, but it has stood strong until today and will never be destroyed. Therefore, these events are very important for us and the generations that follow us to uphold and maintain the Republic. We will have preserved our culture and the historical moments we have fought with horses from Central Asia to the present day here. I am very proud. I did not expect such participation. Our people have missed these events. Happy Republic Day to us.”