Turkish Oil Wrestling
Under the scorching heat of the Turkish sun, two men clash, their interlocked bodies gleaming with oil, every muscle taut with strain. The hot air smells of trampled grass. Drums beat steadily, occasionally interrupted by the men’s grunts. Both claw into sweaty skin, their hands delving deep into their opponent’s leather shorts for purchase — the only way to win this oily battle. This is oil wrestling, an ancient sport practiced in Turkey and parts of Iran and the Balkans. At its heart, it consists of two pehlivan (wrestlers) doused in olive oil, locked in a slippery struggle. Clad only in black buffalo-hide shorts, with their names embroidered on the back, wrestlers grapple, push and pull to gain the split-second upper hand to pin their opponent’s shoulders to the ground, achieving victory and honor in the process. The pehlivans wrestle on the stadium’s grass field under the scorching sun, with midday temperatures reaching 95°F, adding an extra challenge and slipperyness to the sport.
Each July, Turkey’s top pehlivans (wrestlers) gather for this ultimate showdown. Now in its 664th year, it’s one of the world’s oldest sporting events. The competition is believed to have originated as a morale booster for Ottoman troops, and later evolved into a festivity honouring sultans. However, oil wrestling as a sport predates the Ottomans, with its roots in the region tracing back to the eighth century BCE during Greco-Roman times. In the ancient Olympic Games, wrestling matches featured oil to enhance the challenge. “It’s the highest rank,” says Ahmet Taşçı, when I meet him in the barracks behind the stadium later. I recognize him from the statues at the stadium’s entrance — he’s among a select pantheon of legendary pehlivans, immortalized for their extraordinary feats. Though he’s now in his late 60s, the short, herculean man isn’t much different from his statue, with its broad shoulders and chiseled abdominals etched in glistening black granite. “You must dedicate your life to the craft to become a başpehlivan at Kırkpınar,” he says, as young wrestlers gather around him for selfies. Ahmet, a nine-time champion, is the only living holder of the eternal golden belt, awarded to those who achieve three consecutive victories. His handshake leaves no doubt — 20 years after retiring from the sport, he could still toss me around like a sack of hay. “Today’s youngsters are more drawn to glory than tradition,” he continues. “But oil wrestling is about sportsmanship and respect.”
“Why do I do this sport? Because, I am taking after my father, my grandfather, and my ancestors,” Basar said. “And of course, we hope that the next generation will carry on the tradition too.” Even before the oil started flowing, pomp and pageantry welcomed the wrestlers, with the sound of drums and traditional Turkish flutes accompanying local officials through the streets of Edirne, in the shadow of the comparatively young, 450-year-old Selimiye Mosque. Among the dignitaries is this year’s ceremonial grand marshal – a heavy-looking gold belt draped over one shoulder – an honor bestowed on whoever offers up the largest donation to the tournament. This year’s donation was well over $250,000, according to Andalou. Next year’s grand marshal has reportedly pledged more than $1 million.
Wrestling Ringers
Wrestling is stupid…
Some guys with no pants fight for a belt.
An East Indian fellow has moved in next door. He has travelled the world, has swam with sharks, has wrestled bears and climbed the highest mountain. It came as no surprise to learn his name was… Bindair Dundat
After the Russian election Putin meets with his staff.
Staff: “Sir Comrade Vlad, we have got good news and bad news for you.”
Putin: “I’m not scared of bad news, I’ve wrestled bears, tigers and a small rhino with my bare Russian hands. Hit me!”
Staff: “Your opponent got 51% of the votes.”
Putin: “That is terrible news! What on earth can be the good news?!”
Staff: “You got 52%..”
I always bring a piece of paper to a wrestling match, just in case…
The Rock is my opponent.
July 11th Birthdays
1965 – Cassi Davis, 1954 – Mindi Sterling, 1956 – Sela Ward, 1953 – Mindy Sterling
1971 – Justin Chambers, 1990 – David Herrde, 1920 – Yul Brynner, 1950 – Bruce McGill