Kırkpınar oil wrestling returns for historic 664th edition in Türkiye
One of the world’s oldest continuously held sporting events—the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival—is underway in Edirne, Türkiye, marking its 664th edition. The main matches of this centuries-old tradition run from July 4 to 6 at the historic Sarayiçi Er Meydanı.
Dating back to the 14th century, Kırkpınar is a vibrant celebration of Turkish cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival blends fierce physical competition with rich rituals, including music, ceremonial processions, and community gatherings.
A Tradition Rooted in Legend
The name "Kırkpınar," meaning "Forty Springs," originates from an Ottoman legend. After a wrestling match between two brothers ended in their deaths, 40 springs are said to have emerged where they were buried, giving the sacred field its name.
Rituals and Symbolism
The event begins with the peşrev—a ceremonial display where wrestlers line up, slap their thighs, touch the earth, and shout “Hayde bre pehlivan!” in a sign of respect and martial readiness.
Competitors, known as pehlivans, wear traditional leather trousers called kispet and are drenched in olive oil, making each match a test of both strength and technique. The oil, once used to ward off insects and sunburn, now transforms each bout into a slippery and strategic challenge.
Victory comes not just through pins, but also by lifting the opponent or tearing their kispet—an impressive feat considering the trousers can weigh up to 10 kg.
The ultimate title of Başpehlivan (chief wrestler) is awarded each year, but only those who win three times consecutively earn the coveted golden belt. Wrestling legends like Kel Aliço (Grim Ali), Koca Yusuf (The Terrible Turk), Ahmet Taşçı, Ali Gürbüz, and Hamza Yerlikaya have cemented their names in Kırkpınar history.
With 2,000 to 3,000 wrestlers participating annually, Kırkpınar remains the spiritual Olympics of Turkish traditional sports—a living bridge between past and present.
