600-year-old traditional sled races could not be held due to lack of snow
The sled races, which are held in a festival atmosphere every year in mid-February on the 300-meter-long sled track in Sinan District of Kastamonu, could not be held last year due to the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş. There was not enough snowfall in the region this year for the races that witnessed colorful images. Ağlı Mayor Şahin Çolak stated that sled races were inherited from their ancestors and that they look forward to the races every year with excitement and said:
„Our ancestors introduced sled races as a winter sport during the long winter season. Although the exact date is not known, it is thought to be over 600 years old. It was first held in Sinan District. We continue this legacy that came to us from our ancestors. These races are specially called ‚kayak‘. „There are sleds. These are boats made of plum wood.“
Stating that the track is specially prepared when it snows, Çolak said, „The runway is made with shoes called sandals. The water-soaked snow is crushed and frozen with sandals. We have a 150-meter-long runway made of concrete in Sinan District.“ said. Stating that they organize a sled racing festival every year within the municipality, Çolak said:
„Last year we couldn’t do it because of the earthquake. This year we couldn’t do it because there was no snow. I hope we can do it in the coming years when there is heavy snowfall and pass it on to future generations. At the end of the races, the first one is given a calf, the second one is a ram, and the third one is a turkey. They come from many places to participate in the races.“
Harun Şahin, a local resident, emphasized that he has participated in races for many years and said:
„This festival, held in February, is eagerly awaited. Many colorful things happen, but unfortunately, as a result of global warming, we have not been able to get the snowfall we want in recent years. People used to have difficulty moving from house to house in February due to snow. There is no snow now. Hopefully, the seasons will return to normal and we will start sled races. „We will continue. I have participated in races in many places, but nowhere is as enjoyable as this.“
Sled manufacturer Erdal Özdemir explained that he could not sell sleds this year and said, „Although there should be 1.5-2 meters of snow at this time every year, there was no snow this year. I make sleds. While we sell 50 sleds every year, this year we could only sell 3. This is a 600-year-old traditionally made sled. „We had sled races, but they were not held. There was no festival, and the damage of global warming hit us too.“ he said.
Muharrem Köse said, „I do hobby work in my spare time. Our ancestors had boats. We are making similar boats. We had the boats we made this year because there was no snow. I hope we can use them next year.“ he said.
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The sled races in Sinan District of Kastamonu have a long history, dating back over 600 years according to Mayor Şahin Çolak. Unfortunately, due to lack of snowfall last year and this year, the races could not be held as usual. The races, known as ‚kayak‘ locally, are a cherished tradition passed down from ancestors and are eagerly awaited every year.
Local resident Harun Şahin expressed his disappointment at the lack of snowfall, hoping for more normal seasons in the future. Sled manufacturer Erdal Özdemir also lamented the impact of global warming on sled sales and the tradition of sled races.
Despite the challenges, the community remains hopeful for the future, with plans to continue the tradition of sled races and use the sleds and boats they have created once the snow returns. The festival atmosphere and excitement of the races are greatly missed, but the spirit of the tradition lives on.
