Oil Wrestling
Published: Nov 24, 2021 16:44 PM

Oil Wrestling is one of the most popular sports in Turkey. Yagli gures means literally oiled wrestling. The wrestlers wear tight short leather trousers called "Kispet", made of water buffalo leather weighing approximately 13 kilograms (29 pounds), and they cover themselves with olive oil. Matches take place throughout the country but the most famous and most important tournament takes place in Edirne by the end of June and beginning of July, or at the end of July, every year. In 2020 the matches of the 659th edition were scheduled between 29 June - 5 July but unfortunately it's been canceled due to coronavirus threat, but 660th edition was held between 10-11 July 2021 where the wrestler Mr. Ali Gurbuz won the final match and holds the title of "bas pehlivan". It's a big fair as well with music and celebrations and it goes on until the morning. Usually lamb roast is a very popular food. In the entertainments, belly dancing is accompanied by Turkish traditional musical instruments 'davul' (drum) and 'zurna' (a type of flute) and singings.