Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival（Kirkpinar Yagli Guresleri）

A Centuries-Old Battle of Slippery Giants

Every summer, the ancient city of Edirne in western Turkey transforms into an arena where glistening bodies and raw strength compete. The Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival, held from late June to early July, is a spectacle unlike any other. For seven days, over 2,000 wrestlers known as pehlivans compete in a centuries-old tradition that combines athleticism, cultural heritage, and sheer determination. Spectators from around the world gather to witness this unique event, where competitors slathered in olive oil grapple for glory on grassy fields under the scorching Turkish sun.

Main Attractions

The Wrestling Matches

The sun-drenched field fills with the anticipation of trembling spectators. Suddenly, a roar erupts as the pehlivans, their bodies covered in olive oil, enter the arena. Their muscles gleam in the sunlight, exuding the dignity of ancient warriors.

At the referee's signal, the giants clash violently. The dull thud of flesh against flesh resonates, drawing gasps from the audience. The pehlivans attempt to grasp each other, but their hands slip due to the oil, making it difficult to get a hold. They resemble giant eels locked in combat.

As time passes, the pehlivans' breathing becomes labored, their grunts growing louder. The excitement in the crowd builds, with cheers echoing throughout the arena. Shouts of "Keep going!" and "Almost there!" ring out in various languages.

Finally, seizing a momentary opening, one pehlivan succeeds in lifting his opponent. As the crowd rises to its feet, he summons all his strength to hoist his rival high above his head. An earth-shaking cheer erupts, and as the winner is declared, both spectators and athletes explode in shared joy.

In the championship match, this excitement reaches its peak. Watched by 30,000 spectators, the final pair of pehlivans clash. Their movements embody centuries of tradition and an insatiable thirst for victory. They have prepared for this moment not just for a year, but for a lifetime.

As the match concludes, the winner raises both hands to the sky, while the loser respectfully kisses the winner's hand. This scene draws heartfelt applause from the audience. While the wrestling match has ended, the excitement and emotion of this day will be deeply etched in the hearts of all who participated.

The Opening Ceremony

The festival begins with a grand procession through the streets of Edirne. The air vibrates with the thunderous beats of 40 davul drums and the piercing melodies of 40 zurna shawms. Wrestlers march proudly in their traditional attire, while the golden belt – the ultimate prize – is paraded for all to see. The procession culminates at the historic Selimiye Mosque, where prayers are offered for a fair and safe competition.

Traditional Costumes

The pehlivans wear distinctive leather trousers called kispet, made from water buffalo or cow hide. These knee-length pants, often embroidered with the wrestler's name or symbols, can weigh up to 13 kilograms when soaked in oil. The sight of hundreds of wrestlers, their kispets glistening in the sun, is a visual spectacle that harkens back to ancient times.

Culinary Delights

The festival is not just a feast for the eyes but for the palate as well. Local vendors line the area around the wrestling fields, offering traditional Turkish delicacies. The air is filled with the enticing aroma of grilled köfte (meatballs) and the sweet scent of lokma (fried dough soaked in syrup). Visitors can cool off with ayran, a refreshing yogurt drink, or indulge in rich Turkish coffee. The Edirne liver, a local specialty, is a must-try for adventurous food lovers.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival date back to 1346. When Ottoman Sultan Orhan Gazi and his brother Suleyman Pasha led their troops to conquer the Balkans, 40 soldiers engaged in friendly wrestling matches to pass the time. Legend has it that two brothers wrestled for hours without a clear winner, eventually dying of exhaustion. They were buried under a fig tree, and years later, a spring (pınar) appeared at that spot, giving birth to the name Kirkpinar, meaning "forty springs."

For the Turkish people, Kirkpinar is more than just a sporting event. It's a living embodiment of their cultural heritage and the world's longest-running sports competition, held annually for over 650 years. This festival represents the values of strength, honor, and fair play deeply ingrained in Turkish culture. Kirkpinar also serves as an unparalleled educational platform for passing down traditions. Wrestlers from across the country inherit teachings from their masters, maintaining cultural continuity through oral transmission. The passing of techniques and spirit to younger generations is a crucial aspect of this festival. The mutual respect among competitors is also noteworthy, with winners consoling the defeated and the custom of lifting opponents off the ground before the final decision, exemplifying true sportsmanship. Furthermore, Kirkpinar functions not only to maintain individual physical and mental health but also as a venue for forming social and cultural relationships. Through this festival, participants test themselves in various ways, and victorious wrestlers, in particular, gain confidence. Recognizing these multifaceted cultural values, UNESCO inscribed the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. This inscription signifies international recognition of Kirkpinar's crucial role in preserving and passing on Turkey's traditional culture to future generations.

Participant's Voice

As an American tourist, I decided to see Kirkpinar, but honestly, I had no idea what to expect. From the moment I arrived in Edirne, I could feel the festival's excitement enveloping the entire city. When the matches began, I found myself swept up in the frenzy of excitement. The sight of these huge men, slippery as eels from head to toe, wrestling with surprising grace and power, was truly impressive. I'd never seen anything like it in my life. I came expecting just an unusual experience, but by the time I left, I felt I had touched a living Turkish tradition that has continued for hundreds of years, and I was deeply moved.

Fun Facts

The title of başpehlivan (chief wrestler) is so prestigious that winners are often sought after as husbands and are believed to bestow luck and prosperity on weddings they attend.
In the past, matches could last for days. The longest recorded match in Kirkpinar history went on for 72 hours, ending in a draw.
Wrestlers use a special technique called "putting the hand in the kispet" to gain leverage. This move, which involves reaching inside the opponent's leather trousers, is perfectly legal and traditional.
The festival uses around 2 tons of olive oil each year, with each wrestler being doused in about 25-30 kilograms of oil throughout the tournament.