Seven nations, including Uzbekistan, unite for the world's longest rally spanning Eurasia

The third Silk Road Rally, the world's longest rally, started in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Thirty athletes from seven countries are participating in the race. The rally is planned to conclude on August 28 in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia.

Participants will reach Mongolia via Türkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and China.

The opening ceremony of the competition, organized by the East-West Friendship and Peace Rally Association with the support of the European Union and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by the association's president Nadir Serin, consular representatives, delegates from EU member states, heads of non-governmental organizations, and numerous racers.

"We have participants from seven countries: Germany, Italy, Austria, Moldova, France, England, and Turkey. Central Asia is unfamiliar to us, but it is an incredibly fascinating place. This will be our third trip to the region. We are heading to this area because of Eastern and Western civilizations. We sincerely hope to contribute and be a bridge between these two formerly opposing civilizations," said Serin in his speech at the opening ceremony.

After the ceremony, rally participants set off from Sultanahmet Square. The next stop after Istanbul will be Ankara, with 15 cars and 30 participants embarking on the long journey.