Oil Wrestling
Oil wrestling is a traditional sport practiced only in our country. It is named so because the athletes apply a special oil to their bodies before the matches. The sports competitions are held in the "Er Meydanı" (Wrestling Arena). This sport, unique to Turks, is not an Olympic sport.
History, Participation Conditions
This sport, which requires great strength, condition, technique, and experience, has a history that, according to legend, dates back to 1361. Oil wrestlers are affiliated with the Turkish Wrestling Federation. A special permit obtained from the Wrestling Federation is required to hold oil wrestling competitions. With this permit, sports clubs, municipalities, and private associations can organize these competitions.
Athletes must be licensed to participate in the competitions. Athletes without a license cannot wrestle in the competitions. While athletes are divided into weight classes based on their weight in normal wrestling competitions, in oil wrestling, athletes are paired according to their height.
The historical Kırkpınar wrestling matches are held in Kırkpınar, within the borders of Edirne province. This year, the 652nd of the competitions, held at the end of June and the beginning of July each year, was organized. Ali GÜRBÜZ became the "başpehlivan" (chief wrestler) for the third consecutive year, breaking a record, just as he did in 2011 and 2012, by defeating all his opponents in 2013.
