Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Championships - July 2012

Every year since 1640 Turkey’s best wrestlers, men and boys, gather and lather up for the oldest wrestling contest in the world. Once held in a grassy field of Kirkpinar, the world-renowned Janissaries (an elite fraternity of body guards to the imperial Sultans) trained and mastered in the art as preparation for combat. Today, about 1,000 barefoot wrestlers take part in a ‘sudden death’ style competition wearing only a pair of leather trousers and a lathering of omega 3 rich olive oil.

Competitors pair off, grappling and struggling to gain a grip on their opponent. Tactical moves include a hand down the side of the pants trick and the common schoolboy ‘wedgie’ (grab, lift, flip and throw) to pin ones opponent to the ground! The winner goes on to fight another winner, and so on, until there is only one wrestler left standing.

Originally matches had no set duration and could go on for one or two days. Competitors in the fierce July sunshine must have fried, so thankfully in 1975, matches were capped to a maximum duration of 40 minutes.

Oil wrestling is a revered national sport, which is over 5 centuries old, with champions becoming celebrities and the Turkish president making the journey to present the prized champions crown. A colourful fair also accompanies the event with market stalls selling all variety of curios, gypsy music, singing, dancing and a Bohemian style festival atmosphere.

Additional Information

Join us at the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Championships, which will coincide with our Aegean Explorer, Istanbul to the Med, Turkey Unplugged, Turkey & Tutankhamen and Turkey Discovered tours departing in the beginning of July 2012. The exact event date has yet to be confirmed - watch this space!
Arrangments are as follows: Departing Istanbul at 09:00, we travel to Erdine to watch the action, explore the fair, have lunch and attend the exciting Tribune semi finals later in the day.
Travellers booking this exciting and a little unusual bolt-on should ensure that their flight arrives to Istanbul prior to 07:00 on the Saturday or alternatively reserve pre-tour accommodation if required.

What's Included

Our Oil Wrestling Festival package includes:
Private return journey from Istanbul to Erdine, 2.5 hour coach trip each way
Escorted by a professional English speaking tour guide providing history and background to the event plus a little ringside commentary on the day.
Lunch in Erdine
Entrance to Wrestling stadium for the Tribune semi-finals