Nomads revive 700-year-old tradition on Türkiye’s Sanridas Mountain summit

In Denizli’s Beyagac district, the ancient tradition of the Kartal Lake and Eren Day event, which has been carried out for over seven centuries, was celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The event, hosted by the Beyagac Municipality, attracted thousands of nomads from all over Türkiye.

Participants spent the night in tents set up by the picturesque Kartal Lake, located at the 2,300-meter summit of Sanridas Mountain.

Despite the cool August night, the event was filled with warmth and camaraderie. The highlight of the evening was a lively concert by Sadi Cesuroglu, organized by the municipality.

Early the next morning, attendees embarked on a 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) trek along a mountain path to reach the Eren Dede shrine at the summit of Cicek Baba. At the shrine, they prayed for blessings and good health, following a tradition passed down through generations.

The rituals culminated with the sacrifice of animals near the 42-meter-long and 4-meter-wide tomb at the shrine. The event drew participants of all ages, from the young to the elderly, who later returned to Kartal Lake to continue the celebrations.

Nomads’ legacy of faith, tradition

Beyagac Mayor Sezayi Putun, who attended the event alongside Tavas Mayor Kadir Tatik, emphasized the importance of preserving this centuries-old tradition.

“This event has been ongoing for approximately 700-800 years,” Mayor Putun said.

“We have gathered here around Kartal Lake since last night, enjoying small festivities. This morning, we set off toward the Eren Dede shrine. Although the streams that once flowed here have dried up because of the heat, we continue our journey. Once we reach the shrine, we will pray and give thanks before returning to Kartal Lake.”

Mayor Putun also highlighted the symbolic importance of the soil and stones gathered at the event.

“Some attendees collect soil and stones from here to mix with their land and place in their grain storage. It is believed that this brings prosperity and increases abundance,” he added.

Keeping the tradition alive

Long-time participant Ahmet Akakca, who has been camping by Kartal Lake for many years, expressed his dedication to the event.

“I come here every year for the traditional Eren festival,” he said. “We pray at the shrine and offer sacrifices. Kartal Lake is one of the best camping spots in the area, and we do our best to pass this tradition on to future generations. It’s not just about having fun – we come here with a purpose.”

The Kartal Lake and Eren Day event continues to be a vital link between the past and present, preserving the cultural heritage of the Yoruk people and ensuring that their traditions endure for centuries to come.