# Cultural and sporting events in Rize

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cultural-and-sporting-events-in-rize
> Updated: 2026-09-06T15:45:18.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

Rize hosted a series of cultural and sporting events in late 2026. In early August, the Rize Living Heritage Festival opened at Çay Çarşısı, featuring 45 cultural heritage carriers and master craftsmen demonstrating traditional crafts such as calligraphy, pottery, and carpet weaving to preserve the region’s intangible legacy.

In early September, the 10th International Handüzü Bicycle Festival took place at the Handüzü Plateau in the Güneysu district. Following an official announcement by local officials, including Güneysu District Governor Eyup Gurdal and Mayor Rıfat Özer, the event featured the Rize MTB Cup. Approximately 100 athletes from six countries competed across four categories: senior men, senior women, junior men, and junior women.

Despite challenging conditions including heavy fog, mud, and wet terrain on the 3.5-kilometer course, the festival successfully integrated sports with socio-cultural activities. Rize Governor İhsan Selim Baydaş noted the event’s role in promoting cycling to all ages, particularly youth. The festival also included a public tour and a lottery where five bicycles were awarded to local participants. Athlete Zeynep Bayram commented on the difficulty of the race due to low visibility and muddy ground but praised the surrounding environment.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Handüzü Plateau hosts 10th International Bicycle Festival

The 10th International Handüzü Bicycle Festival in Rize, Turkey, drew 100 athletes from six countries to compete in MTB Cup races despite challenging fog and muddy conditions.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/handz-plateau-hosts-10th-international-bicycle-festival

### 2026-09-02: Handüzü Bicycle Festival announced for Rize

The 10th International Handüzü Bicycle Festival will be held in Rize's Güneysu district on September 5-6, 2026, featuring 100 athletes from six countries and various cultural activities.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/handz-bicycle-festival-announced-for-rize

### 2026-08-06: Rize Living Heritage Festival Launches at Çay Çarşısı

Rize’s Living Heritage Festival opened in Çay Çarşısı, featuring 45 heritage carriers and 30 traditional crafts, with officials and artisans highlighting cultural preservation.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rize-launches-rizedesin-digital-tourism-platform-to-unify-travel-information

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Cite as: Cultural and sporting events in Rize. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cultural-and-sporting-events-in-rize