Traditional Sheep River-Crossing in Asagiseyit

In the Aşağıseyit village of Çal district in Denizli, western Turkey, an age-old pastoral tradition known as the “Sheep River Corssing” ceremony continues to draw attention as a vivid expression of rural heritage. Rooted in local folklore and nomadic customs, the event is closely linked to a legendary love story and has been practiced for generations. Every year, shepherds gather along the banks of the Büyük Menderes River to reenact the ritual, keeping alive a cultural practice that blends competition, devotion, and community celebration.

The ceremony centers on shepherds who attempt to carry their sheep across the river by placing the animal on their shoulders and leaping into the water. According to local legend, the tradition commemorates a shepherd named Çoban Süleyman, who is said to have proven his love by carrying a sheep across the river for his beloved. Today, participants symbolically repeat this act, transforming a personal tale of affection into a public cultural performance. The event is typically accompanied by folk music, traditional attire, and communal festivities that reinforce its ceremonial character.

Photographs taken in 2013 capture both the intensity and the intimacy of the ritual. Shepherds, dressed in regional clothing, prepare their animals before stepping into the river, while villagers and visitors line the banks to watch. The images reflect not only the physical challenge of the act but also the pride and continuity embedded in the tradition. Expressions of determination, splashing water, and the close bond between shepherd and sheep stand out as defining visual elements.

Beyond its folkloric appeal, the Sheep Jumping ceremony represents a living example of Anatolia’s pastoral culture. In an era marked by rapid urbanization and social change, such local traditions offer insight into the values of loyalty, endurance, and communal identity that continue to shape rural life in Turkey. The annual event in Aşağıseyit remains both a celebration of heritage and a reminder of the region’s deep-rooted connection to shepherding culture.