Discover the ancient and thrilling world of oil wrestling in Turkey, a sport that has been celebrated for centuries. This historic festival, dating back to 1346, sees male wrestlers battle it out in matches that can last for hours, doused in slippery oil. Learn about the history of oil wrestling, the rules of the game, and the traditional outfit worn by wrestlers. Find out how the oil levels the playing field and the significance of the Kırkpınar festival. From the origins of the Turk technique to the limits placed on match durations, here are 10 fascinating things to know about oil wrestling in Turkey.
History of Oil Wrestling
Oil wrestling, also known as yağlı güreş in Turkish, is one of the oldest sports in Turkey, with a history that dates back to ancient civilizations such as Sumer and Babylon. It has also been influenced by Greco-Roman traditions. The sport has been practiced for centuries and is deeply ingrained in Turkish culture.
Rules
The object of oil wrestling is to get your opponent in a position where their belly button faces the sky, at which point they lose the game. The rules are simple, but the execution of the technique requires skill and strategy. Wrestlers use a combination of grappling, pinning, and submission moves to gain an advantage over their opponents.
The Traditional Outfit
Oil wrestlers wear a unique outfit called a kıspet. This traditional garment is made from water buffalo leather and weighs about 13 kilos. The thick leather pants provide protection and support for the wrestlers during their matches. The kıspet has become symbolic of the sport and is an iconic element of Turkish oil wrestling.
The Oil
One of the defining features of oil wrestling is the use of olive oil. Before the match begins, the wrestlers cover their bodies with copious amounts of oil, giving the sport its distinctive name and unique visual appeal. The oil serves a practical purpose by making it more challenging for the wrestlers to grip each other, thereby emphasizing technique over raw strength.
The Oil’s History
The use of oil in wrestling goes beyond mere tradition. Historically, it is believed that the application of oil to the skin was a method of warding off mosquitoes. When oil wrestling became a popular sport, wrestlers began using oil as a way to emulate this protective practice. Over time, the use of oil became an integral part of the sport, creating a level playing field for all participants.
Kırkpınar
The most important oil wrestling festival in Turkey is called Kırkpınar. It has been held annually since 1346 in the city of Edirne. The festival attracts thousands of spectators and showcases the best oil wrestlers in the country. Kırkpınar is not only a sporting event; it is a celebration of Turkish culture and heritage. The festival includes music, dance, and traditional rituals that add to the overall festive atmosphere.
The Winner
The victor of the Kırkpınar festival is awarded an ornate golden belt, symbolizing their status as the champion of Turkey. In addition to the prestigious title, the winner also receives a significant cash prize of around 100,000 dollars. The champion, known as Başpehlivan in Turkish, becomes a figure of admiration and respect within the wrestling community.
Çırak
Every wrestler with a traditional upbringing takes on an apprentice, known as a Çırak, whom they train to carry on the tradition. The role of the Çırak is to learn from their mentor and eventually become a skilled oil wrestler in their own right. This apprenticeship system ensures the continuation of the sport and the preservation of its rich cultural heritage.
Limits
In the early years of oil wrestling, matches had no time limits and could last for hours, and sometimes even days. However, in 1975, a time limit of 40 minutes was introduced to ensure that matches had a definitive end. Additionally, a seven-minute finale was implemented to count up final scores and determine the winner in the event that a match exceeded the 40-minute timeframe.
The Turk
One of the most famous techniques in oil wrestling is known as “the Turk.” This move involves catching one of your opponent’s legs between your own from the top position and preventing them from returning to their knees. The technique earned its name after Turkey’s success at the 1948 London Olympics, where the country won twelve medals by extensively utilizing this move.
Oil wrestling is not just a sport in Turkey; it is a cultural phenomenon that has deep historical roots. The sport’s rich traditions, unique attire, and iconic use of oil make it an intriguing spectacle to behold. Whether you are a participant or a spectator, oil wrestling offers a memorable experience that captures the essence of Turkish culture and heritage.