The alka of sinj

Beginnings and history of alka

Croatian people of the heroic Cetina region defeated the Ottoman army in 1715, which in its conquering march tried to conquer the fortress of Sinj, an important stronghold which should have provided to the Ottoman Empire a smooth passage into the heart of Europe.

What is alka

The Alka is a tournament in which the alkar (the knight) riding on horseback aims his spear at an alka ring and pierces it.

Alka ring – alka

Alka ring is made of wrought iron consisting of two rings with a shared centre.

Alka spear

Alka spear is made of wood.

Alka procession

In the alkars’ procession there are: Duke, the troop of alkars, the troop of squires and escort.

Alka participants’ uniforms

Each alkar puts on the ancient knight uniform in the most beautiful glow, consisting of a baize dolman and trousers, silk girdle, embroidered sleeveless jacket and a shirt with filigree cufflinks.

Alkars’ racecourse

THE ALKA is held only in Sinj and only on the track called the Alkars’ Racecourse, which is on the old road Sinj – Split, at the location of Big Bridge (across the Gorućica), i. e. from the Alkar’s Monument to the old fountain Petrovac, as it was chosen at the time of Alka’s foundation.