Alantepe crowned Esef Akpınar as chief wrestler
The 2026 Alantepe Oil Wrestling and Cultural Events, organized by Kozlukebir Municipality, concluded on Sunday, August 23, following three days of sporting and cultural activities.
The traditional event began on Friday, August 21, from Payamlar, the village of event patron Sadettin Mustafa, before continuing with a full program at the Alantepe grounds on Sunday.
The final day began with a protocol wrestling match, followed by an official procession around the wrestling arena accompanied by traditional drums and zurna music. Protocol members greeted residents and visitors gathered at the venue.
The event brought together local politicians and representatives of civil society organizations from Western Thrace, as well as numerous guests from Türkiye.
Adnan Öztürk, Deputy Consul at the Consulate General of Türkiye in Gümülcine, represented Türkiye at the historic event.
Following the arrival of protocol members, opening speeches were delivered by Alantepe event patron Sadettin Mustafa, Kozlukebir Mayor Erdem Hüseyin, Rodopi Independent MP Özgür Ferhat, Deputy Mufti of Gümülcine Fehim Ahmet, and Halil Aktaş, Deputy Mayor of Bursa Osmangazi Municipality, who represented the municipality from Türkiye.
Speakers highlighted the importance of Alantepe's traditional festivities to the cultural heritage of the region, emphasizing the preservation of oil wrestling and the transmission of the tradition to future generations.
The official program continued with performances by the Gümülcine Turkish Youth Union (GTGB) Folklore Ensemble and the İskeçe Turkish Union (ITB) Folklore Ensemble.
The folklore performances were followed by the highly anticipated oil wrestling competitions.
In the final bout, Esef Akpınar defeated Oğuzhan Tekmen to claim the title of chief wrestler of Alantepe.
Medals and awards were presented to the top-performing wrestlers during a ceremony following the conclusion of the competitions.
The three-day Alantepe program, featuring cultural activities, folklore performances and traditional oil wrestling, will conclude with concerts by Grup Orijinal Ton and singer Göknur on Sunday evening.
