Wrestlers from Edirne prepare for Kırkpınar with medal ambitions
With the 664th Historical Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival approaching, wrestlers from Edirne are intensifying their training, aiming to win medals and proudly represent their city at the prestigious event to be held from July 4–6 at Sarayiçi Er Meydanı.
Despite the scorching summer heat, around 15 wrestlers continue their preparations at full pace. Experienced wrestlers, known as "masters," are mentoring the younger athletes, sharing techniques and mental strategies essential for success in traditional oil wrestling.
"Edirne won’t leave Kırkpınar without a medal"
Şamil Doğu Delen, the Provincial Representative of the Turkish Traditional Wrestling Federation, emphasized that the wrestlers are training with high motivation. “We’re addressing the needs of our athletes — from wrestling oil to kispet (traditional leather pants). Currently, four groups are preparing for Kırkpınar,” he noted.
Delen underlined the support of local institutions such as the Edirne Governorship, Edirne Municipality, and the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, adding that transportation was provided to every competition across Turkey. “We promise: Edirne will not leave Kırkpınar without a medal this year,” he said confidently.
"Kırkpınar is the Olympics of oil wrestling"
Veteran wrestler Talat Çelik, who trains municipal wrestlers, expressed the growing excitement as Kırkpınar nears. “With a bit more support from Edirne, a Başpehlivan (chief wrestler) is coming soon,” he said. “Kırkpınar is the Olympics of oil wrestling. We thank everyone supporting this ancestral sport.”
Wrestler Serkan Makas shared that they had a productive training camp in Antalya and are now continuing preparation in Edirne. “We’ve won medals in every league match we’ve joined. We aim to achieve the same at Kırkpınar and represent Edirne with pride,” he said, thanking Mayor Filiz Gencan Akın for her support.
Atakan Makas, who reached the finals in Manavgat during the first league stage, hopes to advance to the Başaltı (semi-professional) category this year. “My goal is to achieve this upgrade during Kırkpınar. Our club is aiming for 2–3 podium finishes,” he said.
Despite temperatures exceeding 30°C, wrestler Metin Yıldıztaşı affirmed their commitment: “We believe we’ll be rewarded for our hard work.”
Other wrestlers, including Bayram Gümüşdağ, Burak Altıok, İbrahim Taha Meriç, Burak Kızıltoprak, and Musa Özgün, continue to train diligently under the guidance of seasoned coaches.
With passion, discipline, and strong local support, Edirne’s pehlivans are entering the final stretch before the historic Kırkpınar tournament — determined to claim victory on home soil.
