Denizli hosts 853rd annual sheep crossing festival

The 853rd Sudan Koyun Geçirme Yarışması (Sheep Crossing Race) and Shepherd's Festival, a tradition listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, was held in the Çal district of Denizli. The event, rooted in an 8-century-old legend of a shepherd's love, saw 63 shepherds attempt to lead their flocks across the Büyük Menderes River using lead sheep known as ‘elci’ sheep.

Orhan Karakoç took first place with his sheep ‘Mor Fişek’, followed by Zekeriya Karakoç in second and Necip Yatıcı in third. The festival was marked by significant acts of solidarity; second-place winner Zekeriya Karakoç donated his gold prize to Erkan Yeşiltaş, a child battling DMD muscular dystrophy. Additionally, local official Saffet Oğuz donated a sheep to the same cause, and other participants donated animal feed to support the medical campaign.

Thousands of spectators and photographers attended the event in the Aşağıseyit neighborhood. Çal Mayor Ahmet Hakan noted that while previous years were impacted by drought and disease, this year saw high participation and emphasized ongoing efforts to secure a permanent place on the UNESCO list.