Sultansuyu Stud Farm

The origins of the stud farm date back to 1865. It was established at that time under the name Sultansuyu Çiftlikatı Hümayun (Sultansuyu Imperial Farm) and met the army's needs for riding horses, felt, and wool until 1908. With the declaration of the Second Constitutional Era, the farm was transferred to the treasury, and in 1915, a foal depot was established on a 500-decare land around the Aziziye Barracks, which was the stud farm center. The stud farm first received its name at this date. In 1924, this establishment was dissolved and replaced by an artillery regiment, which served until 1928. In the same year, on July 29, 1928, the current Sultansuyu Stud Farm was officially opened by decree number 6943. The aim was to improve the breed of Anatolian horses by raising purebred Arabian horses with desert characteristics and to provide light cavalry mounts for the army.

The stud farm is located 27 km west of Malatya, on the D-300 highway (Malatya-Kayseri road), within the borders of Akçadağ district. The most convenient way to get there is by private car; it takes approximately 30-35 minutes from Malatya city center. For those preferring public transport, bus line 25A passes near the stud farm, but service intervals may be irregular. Check departure times from the local bus operator or the Moovit app.

Spring and summer months are the periods when the valley is green and horses can be seen in the open pastures. In winter, weather conditions and the time horses spend in the stables may be longer, so the view might differ. Morning hours are more suitable for stable visits, while afternoons are better for observing horses in open areas.

A visit to the stud farm generally involves touring the stables, watching the horses, and for those interested, participating in paid horse riding tours. Comments indicate that tour durations are found to be short and visitors are not allowed to ride the horse themselves; you can adjust your expectations accordingly. There is a cafe-restaurant service in the social facilities section. Picnic opportunities are also available around the nearby Sultansuyu Dam. Visitors can complete their stud farm visit with lunch by the dam.

Some inconsistencies in visitor comments are noteworthy. Some visitors state that in the past, the stories of the horses, such as their championships, were presented with signs in the stables, but this practice has now ceased, and the stables are not in their former order. On the other hand, it is said that the social facilities area has been improved. However, there are also negative comments regarding restroom hygiene, fly/insect problems, and the indifference of the cafe-restaurant staff. It is useful to keep your expectations balanced before visiting, and especially in warm months, be prepared for hygiene issues.

The areas where horses roam freely in open pastures and the surroundings of the historic Aziziye Barracks are the most suitable spots for photography. The green texture of the Sultansuyu Valley, especially in spring, provides a beautiful background. Afternoon hours, when the horses are taken out of the stables, are more suitable for capturing photos of horses in motion.