# Traditional Rahvan horse racing in Turkey > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/traditional-rahvan-horse-racing-in-turkey > Updated: 2026-09-20T15:41:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Traditional Rahvan horse racing events have been held in different regions of Turkey to preserve cultural equestrian heritage. In Erzurum, the Metropolitan Municipality organized a competition in the Erzurum Plain involving approximately 120 horses from 20 provinces. The event featured seven categories and aimed to pass the tradition of Rahvan horse breeding to future generations. Following this, the Ayvalık district of Balıkesir hosted its second annual Rahvan Horse Races in collaboration with the Ayvalık Rahvan Horses and Equestrian Association. Held to celebrate the 104th anniversary of the town’s liberation, the event included approximately 100 horses, female riders, and traditional demonstrations such as horse archery and mounted watermelon cutting. ## Claims - The event was organized through a collaboration between the Ayvalık Municipality and the Ayvalık Rahvan Horses and Equestrian Association. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Approximately 100 horses participated in the races. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The races were held as part of the 104th anniversary celebrations of Ayvalık's liberation from occupation. (corroborated by 3 sources) - This was the second year the Rahvan Horse Races were held. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The event included female riders and demonstrations such as horse archery and watermelon cutting on horseback. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-20: Ayvalık hosts second annual Rahvan horse races The second annual Rahvan Horse Races were held in Ayvalık, Turkey, featuring 100 horses and traditional demonstrations to mark the 104th anniversary of the district's liberation. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ayvalk-hosts-second-annual-rahvan-horse-races ### 2026-09-06: Erzurum hosts traditional Rahvan horse races Approximately 120 horses from 20 provinces participated in traditional Rahvan horse races in Erzurum, Turkey, celebrating cultural heritage and traditional sports. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/erzurum-hosts-traditional-rahvan-horse-races --- Cite as: Traditional Rahvan horse racing in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/traditional-rahvan-horse-racing-in-turkey