Young Turkish oil wrestlers uphold ancient tradition

Event is said to date back to the 14th century as a way of keeping the men fit for battle

Last updated: July 09, 2025 | 12:42

2 MIN READ

Young wrestlers compete during the 664th annual Historic Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling championship, in Edirne, northwestern Turkey.

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A young wrestler is doused in oil before the bout.

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The sport, which is on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list, sees wrestlers cover themselves in olive oil and try to press their opponent’s back to the ground to win the bout.

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On a grass field slick with olive oil and steeped in tradition, hundreds of boys as young as 11 joined the ranks of Turkey’s most time-honored sporting event.

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Held every summer in the northwestern city of Edirne, the event is said to date back to the 14th century as a way of keeping the Ottoman Empire’s fighting men fit and ready for battle.

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Spectators watch wrestling rounds.

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Most young wrestlers train year-round at local clubs, often in towns where oil wrestling is passed down through generations.

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Alongside the men contesting, youngsters also don the iconic “kispet” leather trousers to embark on a slippery test of strength, skill and stamina under the scorching sun.

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A young wrestler celebrates his victory.

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