Riders pay tribute to Independence War heroes through a 180-kilometer motorcycle journey

In a poignant tribute to Turkey's War of Independence, over 500 motorcyclists recently embarked on the "In the Footsteps of the Cavalry" memorial ride. This annual event, which retraced one of the most significant routes of the war, commenced on August 29 and concluded on August 31, 2022.

The ride, which began at Afyon's Kocatepe and ended at the Dumlupınar Memorial, was a three-day journey that followed in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought valiantly for Turkey's freedom. Yavuz Kuru, spokesperson for the organising committee, stated that the ride is their strongest way of expressing gratitude to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and his comrades-in-arms.

The riders visited numerous historical sites along the way, including Cigiltepe and the Kocapınar Field Hospital Martyrs' Cemetery. They also paid their respects at the Kumarlı, Olucak, and Yildirim Kemal Cavalry Martyrs' Cemeteries on the final day of the ride.

The pride felt by the riders as they conquered mountains and valleys served as a reminder of how this homeland was won. The route, which covered an 180-kilometer stretch, was originally taken by the 5th Cavalry Corps during the Great Offensive led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1922.

What began in 2019 with just 30 riders has since grown into a major commemorative event. This year's ride attracted a larger audience, with the number of participants more than doubling. The event's organisers installed permanent route markers along the path to ensure the historical route remains accessible year-round.

A mobile app was developed to further facilitate the ride, making it easier for participants to navigate the route and learn about the history associated with each site. The ride is not just a motorcycle event; it is a tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Turkey's freedom.

Before the ride commenced, the riders attended a ceremony at the Kocatepe Monument. The event concluded with a ceremony at the Dumlupınar Memorial, where Yavuz Kuru stated that the route is now open to everyone who wants to connect with history. He mentioned that the ride has grown into a "giant family" of hundreds over the past five years.

The exact origin of the annual Memorial canoe boat rides remains unknown, but the "In the Footsteps of the Cavalry" memorial ride continues to be a powerful and moving tribute to Turkey's War of Independence heroes.

Riders pay tribute to Independence War heroes through a 180-kilometer motorcycle journey