Türkiye’s famous Kirkpinar oil wrestling event marks record participation

A document 2,475 wrestlers are taking part on this 12 months’s Kirkpinar, Türkiye’s well-known oil wrestling competitors that has returned to the northwestern Edirne province for its 661st version from July 1 to July 3.

Edirne municipality authorities have introduced that tickets for the sporting occasion have been offered out. This 12 months’s match is being held with none Covid-19 restrictions.

The competition is among the world’s oldest sports activities occasions. It has been held yearly within the province since 1362, with wrestlers participating in a bodily and psychological battle with out using any gear.

It has completely different classes based mostly on wrestlers’ age and weight.

The competitors will finish with the competition to win the coveted golden belt.

READ MORE:
Battle of grease and wit to prime Turkey’s 658th oil wrestling competitors

Wealthy historical past

All through historical past, Turks — notably troopers — have used wrestling for coaching functions, as a present of bravery, and even as a approach of successful the hearts of their lovers.

To Turkish folks, wrestling has turn into such an indispensable a part of the nation’s tradition that it’s sometimes called an “ancestor sport”.

Over 50 “Baspehlivan”, or wrestlers-in-chief, are collaborating on this 12 months’s match. The title is reserved for individuals who win the match and get to put on the distinguished golden belt for a 12 months.

Feyzullah Aktürk, one of many chief wrestlers, couldn’t register as a result of he was on the nationwide wrestling staff obligation.

A wrestler must be declared the wrestler-in-chief for 3 successive years in an effort to win the golden belt ceaselessly.

Ali Gürbüz, a two-time wrestler-in-chief, was eradicated within the second spherical this 12 months, dropping his likelihood to turn into the everlasting proprietor of the golden belt.

(All images by AA)

READ MORE: Mustafa Yildiz: A Turkish wrestling champion from the African diaspora

Supply: TRTWorld and businesses