Turkish oil wrestling is Turkey’s national sport and an intriguing part of the country’s heritage. The sport dates back over six centuries and holds significant cultural importance, with the annual Kırk Pınar tournament in Edirne being one of the oldest continuously held sporting events in the world. In this guide, we are going to discuss the history, techniques, rules, and training. Let’s get into Turkish oil wrestling!

History and Tradition

Origins of Turkish Oil Wrestling

Turkish Oil Wrestling, also known as Yagli Gures, has a rich history dating back over 650 years to the Ottoman campaign in Thrace. Many sources trace the origins of oil wrestling in Turkey to the Ottoman Empire, with some suggesting influences from ancient Persian and Greek wrestling traditions, which were also highly popular during that historical period.

The sport gained popularity during the reign of Sultan Orhan Gazi in the 14th century. It eventually became an essential part of Ottoman military training, helping soldiers develop strength, agility, and combat skills. Wrestlers, known as “pehlivans,” were highly esteemed and often performed for sultans and dignitaries.

The most famous event in Turkish oil wrestling is the annual Kırkpınar tournament, held in Edirne since 1362. UNESCO recognizes this event as part of Turkey’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, and it has been titled the world’s oldest continuously running sports competition.

Throughout history, oil wrestling has remained a symbol of Turkish culture and heritage, celebrated for its unique blend of physical capabilities and tradition.

What is Oil Wrestling?

Definition and Objective

Turkish oil wrestling, also known as Yagli Gures, is a historic sport in Turkey in which competitors, known as pehlivan, or wrestlers, engage in wrestling while soaked in oil.

Pinning an opponent to the ground with two arms touching the ground and a belly facing the sky, or in oil wrestling terminology, “showing belly to the stars,” ensures a victory. This rule is similar to a pin in wrestling; however, in Turkish wrestling, it only needs to happen for a split second to count as a victory.

Another way of winning in oil wrestling is to lift an opponent off the ground and walk three to five paces with the opponent in hand. In simple terms, the objective is to force your opponent to expose their belly while lying on the ground, to lift them from the ground and throw them, or to carry them three to five steps.

Wrestlers can also win by having their opponent forefeit. For instance, if a wrestler is too tired to continue the fight, they will forefeit the match, thereby ensuring their opponent’s victory. Although this is a more rare scenario of winning, it can happen.

Unique Aspect: Olive Oil

Wrestlers are covered in olive oil, which makes it extremely challenging for opponents to get a grip. This unique aspect is practiced to ensure a level playing field. It may sound strange at first, but the olive oil actually makes it very difficult for wrestlers to gain a grip on their opponent. This means wrestlers will have to rely on their technique, speed, and reflexes instead of strength and size.

The use of olive oil also has historical and cultural significance, symbolizing purity and tradition in Turkish culture and even acting as a mosquito repellent. Using oil also distinguishes the sport from other grappling martial arts and adds a particular interest to this unusual practice.

Training and Preparation

Peşrev and Kısbet: The Training Tradition

Wrestlers perform a ritual-based warm-up known as the “pesrev” before every match. During this ritual, wrestlers perform a sequence of dance-like motions, such as walking steps in and out of the direction of opponents, bowing on the left knee with the right arm on the ground, and touching the forehead, mouth, and knee. Wrestlers will also shout to encourage themselves before the bout. This ritual, known as the pesrev, is one of the most important traditions in Turkish oil wrestling.

The Kisbet is another important tradition, as this is the only garment worn by the wrestlers during matches. Made from water buffalo or calf leather, the kisbet is durable and allows for freedom of movement despite being slippery when oiled. It extends from the waist to just below the knees and is tightly secured with a thick belt. This piece of clothing is important as it provides protection and grip points. Despite the oil, wrestlers use the kisbet to execute holds and maneuvers.

Physical and Mental Conditioning

Turkish oil wrestlers usually have an apprentice that they train to become the next generation of oil wrestlers. The master wrestler teaches his apprentices the techniques, strategies, and traditions required for the sport. This mentorship helps preserve the historical and cultural aspects of Turkish oil wrestling, ensuring that the traditions and values are preserved and passed onto future generations.

Apprentices undergo rigorous physical training under the guidance of their mentors, helping them build the necessary strength, endurance, and agility. They learn the unique moves and holds specific to oil wrestling and practice under realistic, oiled conditions.

Rules of Oil Wrestling

• Preparation and Attire:
  • Wrestlers wear traditional leather trousers called “kıspet,” which are made of water buffalo hide.
  • Before the match, wrestlers apply olive oil to their entire bodies to make them slippery.
• The Objective:
  • The main goal is to bring the opponent’s shoulders to the ground. Unlike other forms of wrestling, pinning both shoulders to the ground immediately ends the match.
• Scoring:
  • There are no points awarded during the match; victory is achieved solely by pinning the opponent’s shoulders to the ground or lifting the opponent and carrying them three to five paces.
• Match Duration:
  • Matches are usually limited to 40 minutes; this allows enough time for wrestlers to gain the victory.
• Stances and Techniques:
  • Wrestlers start with a traditional stance where they grip each other’s kıspet at the waistband or belt.
  • Techniques involve various grappling and throwing maneuvers designed to gain an advantage and eventually pin the opponent.

• Match Arena
  • The arena is usually a grass field that does not have a fixed size.
• Fair Play and Respect:
  • Respect for the opponent is crucial in Turkish oil wrestling. Wrestlers are expected to display sportsmanship and adhere to traditional codes of conduct.
  • It is a tradition for a younger wrestler to kiss the hand of an older wrestler as a sign of respect after defeating them.
• Refereeing and Decision:
  • Referees closely monitor the match and determine the winner once one wrestler’s shoulders touch the ground. There are usually multiple referees to ensure fairness.

The Competition Experience

The Kirk Pinar

The Kirk Pinar is said to be the world’s oldest sporting competition. Dating back to 1346, this annual tournament is a week-long event held at the end of June each year in Edirne, making it culturally important to Turkish history. It usually takes place in Edirne, the original site for the competition, and typically starts by the end of June and the beginning of July, or at the end of July, every year.

The festival features oil wrestling matches as well as traditional dancing and music. Dancers march through the streets of Edirne in a parade before the the start of the three-day tournament. Drum and shawm bands play traditional music to add to the excitement. It’s a festival that attracts thousands of people from different age groups and cultures. The Kirk Pinar Oil Wrestling Festival is so well-known that it is officially recognized as the world’s longest-running athletic event by the Guinness Book of Records.

The champion of the Kirk Pinar is considered the most prestigious oil wrestler in Turkey and is given the title of Bash Pehlivan. This wrestler is given a gold belt and awarded a large sum of money equivalent to one hundred thousand US dollars. It is held in high regard within Turkish society, and the Bash Pehlivan is usually given sponsorships from companies following his victory at the Kirk Pinar festival.

The Role of the Bash Pehlivan

The Bash Pehlivan is the chief wrestler and champion from the previous year. This individual plays a crucial role in the competition, and they are usually responsible for leading the procession and ceremony before the match as they are regarded as an icon of oil wrestling.

Notable Aghas and Champions

The winner of the Edirne Kirkpinar receives approximately 100,000 US dollars in addition to the title of “Champion of Turkey”.

These are some Aghas who won the gold belt:

• Ali Gürbüz: Known as “Yörük Ali,” he is considered one of the greatest wrestlers in the history of Turkish oil wrestling, winning the Kırkpınar tournament multiple times in the early 20th century.
• Mehmet Yeşil Yeşil: A legendary wrestler from the mid-20th century, known for his skill and dominance in the sport.
• Ahmet Taşçı: A prominent wrestler who won the Kırkpınar tournament several times in the 1980s and 1990s.
• Orhan Okulu: Another highly respected wrestler who has achieved significant success in Turkish oil wrestling.

These are some of the Kirk Pinar champions who have made a name for themselves in the sport of oil wrestling in Turkey.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts on Turkish Oil Wrestling

If you are planning to visit Turkey, then attending a Turkish oil wrestling match should be on your list! Turkish oil wrestling is a fascinating sport full of history and culture.

Anyone interested in learning more about Turkey’s national sport should definitely go see Turkish oil wrestling in person. It is a fascinating sport with a rich heritage and history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the point of Turkish oil wrestling?

The point of Turkish oil wrestling is that it honors the traditions of Turkish culture while providing a highly competitive environment for sportsmen in Turkey.

Where can I watch oil wrestling in Turkey?

The largest Turkish oil wrestling festival takes place in Erdine, a town known for its Turkish oil wrestling heritage. Though Turkish oil wrestling events can be found throughout Turkey at different times of the year.

How popular is oil wrestling in Turkey?

Turkish oil wrestling is a very popular cultural event. It brings communities together to watch the spectacle and brings just as much culture as it does competition.

What country’s national sport is oil wrestling?

Oil wrestling is the national sport of Turkey, where the largest oil wrestling festival in the world takes place in Erdine.