Seçek Oil Wrestling Festival to begin on August 1
The annual Seçek Oil Wrestling Festival and Cultural Events will be held this year from August 1 to 3, 2025, organizers announced this week.
The prestigious role of Ağa (patron of the arena) will be undertaken by Ali Koç from the village of Karaören in the Meriç (Evros) region.
The announcement was made by the Seçek Minority Education and Culture Association via social media, where the public was also warmly invited to attend.
In its statement, the association emphasized the deep historical roots of the tradition, highlighting the legacy left by Seyyid Ali (Kızıldeli) Sultan and the alperens (spiritual warriors) in the region.
Organizers underlined the importance of preserving and celebrating this cultural heritage through events like Seçek.
“Keeping this tradition alive is a responsibility we owe to our ancestors and to future generations,” the announcement read.
The association also expressed best wishes to Ali Koç in his role as this year’s Ağa, a symbolic figure who supports the event and represents honor and leadership in the community.
Further details of the three-day festival's program—including competitions, cultural performances, and ceremonial events—are expected to be released in the coming days.
