Seven-century-old Seçek wrestling tradition celebrated in Mehrikoz
Organized by the Seçek Minority Education and Culture Association, the three-day event took place from July 31 to August 2 at the Mehrikoz football field, featuring cultural performances, protocol speeches, traditional music and oil wrestling competitions.
The celebrations, which have been preserved for nearly seven centuries, began on Friday, July 31, with a religious ceremony. The program concluded on Sunday with the traditional oil wrestling matches and an award ceremony.
The final day started with the arrival of 2026 Seçek Aga Ahmet Kaydır from Hebilköy accompanied by drums and traditional zurna music. Guests and representatives of minority organizations also toured the festival area, greeting participants.
During the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by Seçek Minority Education and Culture Association Deputy Chairman Mesut Şerif, 2026 Seçek Aga Ahmet Kaydır, Rodopi Independent Member of Parliament Özgür Ferhat, President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board and Mufti of İskeçe Mustafa Trampa, Rector of Trakya University in Edirne Mustafa Hatipler, and President of the Alevi-Bektashi Culture and Cemevi Directorate under Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism Esma Ersin.
Speakers highlighted the importance of the seven-century-old Seçek tradition in preserving cultural identity and emphasized that the event strengthens unity, solidarity and community bonds.
Türkiye’s Consul General in Gümülcine, Aykut Ünal, who attended the event with his wife, greeted the Western Thrace Turkish community and described the Seçek Oil Wrestling and Cultural Events as more than a festival, calling it a significant cultural heritage passed down through generations.
Ünal said preserving and transferring such traditions to future generations is a shared responsibility, adding that Türkiye would continue to support the Western Thrace Turkish Minority.
Following the official speeches, the event continued with highly anticipated oil wrestling competitions, attracting wrestlers from Türkiye and neighboring Bulgaria.
