Deve Güreşi（Camel Wrestling）

A Millennial Dance of Desert Giants

The Deve Güreşi (Camel Wrestling) festival in Turkey showcases spectacular battles between camels. From November to March each year, the Aegean coast comes alive with this ancient tradition, drawing tens of thousands of spectators. The main event in January, held near the ancient ruins of Ephesus in Selçuk, is particularly noteworthy. Here, massive Tülü camels weighing up to 1,200 kilograms compete for dominance. The aroma of freshly grilled camel sausage fills the air, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in this 2,400-year-old tradition.

Main Attractions

The Wrestling Arena

As dawn breaks over Pamucak Arena, a palpable excitement fills the air. Spectators, their breath visible in the cold winter air, secure spots around the sandy ring. The low, rumbling calls of the camels echo throughout the venue, building anticipation for the day's matches. Each bout is like a symphony of strength and strategy, with two male camels driven by instinct and the presence of a female in heat, engaging in a dance of dominance.

The audience holds its breath as these giant beasts intertwine their long necks, pushing and shoving with surprising agility for their size. The ground trembles under the camels' weight, and dust clouds rise with each movement. When one camel forces its opponent to retreat or fall, cheers erupt from the crowd, declaring victory in this ancient test of strength.

Camel Beauty Contest

On the eve of the wrestling, Selçuk's streets transform into a vibrant parade ground for the camel beauty contest. Owners proudly lead their prized camels, adorned with intricate decorations that glitter in the fading light. The elaborate saddles, some worth over 5,000 Turkish lira, showcase traditional Yörük craftsmanship with colorful embroidery, mirrors, and bells.

The air is filled with the earthy musk of camels, mingling with the sweet scent of lokma (fried dough balls soaked in syrup) being prepared by street vendors. As twilight approaches, the rhythmic beats of traditional music accompany the measured steps of the camels, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that transports onlookers to Turkey's nomadic past.

Culinary Delights

A visit to Deve Güreşi is incomplete without savoring the unique flavors of camel cuisine. The aroma of slowly roasting camel meat wafts through the air, drawing hungry spectators to food stalls around the arena. Join the queue to taste perfectly grilled, tender camel sucuk (spicy sausage). Its rich, slightly sweet flavor pairs wonderfully with fluffy pilav (rice pilaf).

For the more adventurous, camel milk cheese offers a tangy, slightly salty taste that complements frothy ayran (a salted yogurt drink) beautifully. As you enjoy these distinctive flavors, let the festive atmosphere and centuries-old culinary traditions transport you to the heart of Anatolian culture.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of Deve Güreşi date back over 2,000 years to the nomadic Turkic tribes of Central Asia. As these tribes migrated westward, they brought with them not only their prized camels but also the tradition of camel wrestling. In Turkey, the practice found fertile ground among the Yörük people, nomadic herders for whom camels were an essential part of life.

Today, Deve Güreşi represents far more than a simple sporting event. It is a living link to Turkey's nomadic heritage, a celebration of the bond between man and animal, and a source of immense pride for camel owners and breeders. These festivals serve as important social gatherings, strengthening community ties and passing down age-old traditions to new generations.

Despite facing criticism from animal rights groups and periods of government discouragement, the passion for camel wrestling has endured. In recent decades, it has even experienced a resurgence, with the Turkish government now promoting it as an integral part of the country's cultural identity. The Selçuk festival, often called the "Kırkpınar of camel wrestling" (referencing Turkey's famous oil wrestling championship), stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of this unique spectacle.

Participant's Voice

The sheer size of the camels, the sounds of their grunts and the cheering crowd, the smell of grilled meat in the air – it's unlike anything I've ever experienced. I found myself caught up in the excitement, cheering alongside locals who patiently explained the finer points of camel wrestling to me. The highlight was definitely trying the camel sucuk. I was hesitant at first, but the rich, spicy flavor won me over. I'm already planning to come back next year!

Fun Facts

A champion wrestling camel can be worth over $20,000, with some owners spending up to $1,500 per month on their care and training.
Camel wrestling events always take place on Sundays and typically last about 10 minutes each, though some determined camels have been known to grapple for up to an hour!
In 2018, the Selçuk festival set a Guinness World Record for the "World's Largest Camel Wrestling Festival," with over 150 camels participating.
Camel wrestling briefly caught the attention of 19th-century America, with an attempt to establish a tournament in Texas – a plan ultimately derailed by the outbreak of the Civil War.