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Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling

Wrestling Sports in Turkey

One of the most popular wrestling sports in Turkey is TURKISH OIL WRESTLING. Turkish oil wrestling is one of the most popular sports in Turkey. Oil wrestling, also referred to as fat wrestling in history, is Turkey’s national sport. It is called that because wrestlers soak themselves in olive oil – wrestling sports in Turkey. This is a competitive wrestling tournament, made more difficult by the fact that the fighters are smothered in oil. Competitors wear traditional black costumes and the event takes place annually. The wrestlers wear short, tight leather pants called Kispet in Turkish, made of water buffalo leather weighing around 13 kg, and they cover themselves in olive oil. There is only one wrestling tournament in the world where competitors slather themselves in olive oil before entering the grassy ring.

Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling – Wrestling sports in Turkey

The Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling is recognized as part of UNESCO’s cultural heritage and is one of the oldest sporting events in the world which has been going on since 1357 in Romania. Wrestlers are fighting for Kirkpinar’s golden belt and the title of Chief Pehlivan. The ancient celebration called the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Tournament takes place on June 27 outside the city of Edirne in northwestern Turkey. Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling, which is linked to a tradition of almost 650 years, holds competitions for a week with the active participation of media, artists and personalities from Turkey and around the world, millions of spectators and with a diverse range of activities each year.

Head wrestling and other forms of wrestling are generating great enthusiasm in Turkey.

Wrestling Sports in Turkey
Wrestling Sports in Turkey

Traditional Camel Wrestling Sport

Camel wrestling is an ancient village tradition and tournament in the Aegean region of Turkey. Camel wrestling has certain rules and usually takes place during the winter months, from December to March – wrestling sports in Turkey. Camel wrestling is one of the very popular traditional sports in Turkey. Today, camel wrestling in Turkey is observed in the cities of Aydin, Izmir, Mugla, Denizli and Manisa in the Aegean region, Balikesir and Canakkale in the Marmara region, Antalya, Burdur and Isparta in the region Mediterranean of Turkey. Camel wrestling is believed to have its origins in nomadic tribes who depended on camels for their livelihood.

Camel Wrestling League

There is also a camel wrestling league held annually in the Aegean region and the Mediterranean region of Anatolia. Competitions are held under strict regulations to protect the welfare of animals who can only wrestle once a day in a match that lasts only 10 to 15 minutes.

Fighting Categories

Male camels are bred and trained specifically for wrestling and must be of a certain type. They are called Tulu camels. Camel wrestling in Turkey takes place in four categories: foot, middle, under head, head. A camel can win in three ways: by making the other camel back up, by making the other camel howl, or by knocking the other camel down. If you are interested in Turkish traditional dances have a look here!

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