This is Kirkpinar, the Oil Wrestling in Edirne

Kirkpinar is the name given to oil wrestling in Edirne: a traditional and local discipline, which has been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It is celebrated every year at a special festival, attracting crowds from all corners of the country, so the city dresses up for this event. In this post we tell you what it consists of and everything you need to know if you want to witness this surprising form of unconventional wrestling.

History of Kirkpinar

Legend has it that the origin of Kirkpinar is warlike, but not between Turks and enemies, but between the soldiers themselves. It is believed that in 1363, after the conquest of a nearby Byzantine fortress by a militia of 40 men under the orders of the sultan, the warriors themselves challenged each other to fight to celebrate the victory. Two of them, the most outstanding, fought for four days (or an entire night, according to other versions) without rest and without a clear winner… until they died.

Their bodies, intertwined, were buried under a fig tree in this place known as Kirkpinar, which in Turkish means “40 springs”, as it is believed that after that a large spring with its respective pools of water sprang up. Truth or legend, the fact is that it is considered one of the oldest struggles, which perhaps has its roots in other modalities such as Greco-Roman wrestling.

What this Fight is Like

As the title says, oil wrestling in Edirne is so called because the contenders must smear their torso and arms with this liquid. From the waist up, they fight naked, while for the lower body they wear tight leather pants. In addition, they appear barefoot, since the fight is in the open field, in a place full of grass, called the Field of Men.

The victory of this hand-to-hand combat occurs when one of the fighters (called pehlivanes) takes the other to the ground and holds him there, or when he lifts him over his body, above his shoulders. Despite the spectacular nature of the battle, the pehlivanes are considered examples of camaraderie and mutual respect.

Beyond the combat itself, this fight is conceived as a real party, subject to a ritual of traditions that is scrupulously respected. For example, a presentation procession of the pehlivanes prior to the contest or the common warm-up in which they stretch and spread the oil. All this enlivened by music bands, which do not stop their performance even during the combat.

When and where it is Celebrated

The oil wrestling of Edirne is celebrated on the outskirts of the city, in the region of Eastern Thrace, specifically in the area of Sarayiçi, in a place full of grass known as Kirkpinar. It takes place once a year, in the month of June, in the context of a festival that lasts several days and that not only organizes combats but all kinds of events related to wrestling and local culture. There are more than a dozen categories depending on height and other parameters, so that on the last day the finals are held to crown the winners.

As it is a renowned event in Turkey, during the days of the festival the city is filled with people from all corners of the country, so hotel and transport places are sold out on these dates. Therefore, it is recommended to organize the travel package in advance. And in that, our agency can help you: we will take care of booking accommodation, transport, tickets and everything you need to enjoy this unique event.