KIRKPINAR OIL WRESTLING:

06.24.05

It is the most famous traditional Turkish oil wrestling usually held during last week of June in the city of Edirne (Northwestern Turkey). 642nd one is being held nowadays. 

Before the event start, the graves of the wrestlers, Adalı Halil and Kara Emin, in Kaleiçi, are visited and a prayer service is conducted. Then  the participants go to Sarayiçi Er Meydanı at 3pm and the Historical "Kırkpınar Wrestling" Contest starts with a magnificent ceremony.

Clothing consists of a belt made out of waterbuffalo skin and a kind of tight short covering from bellybutton to ankles. Nothing is worn on top.

Wresters are applied a special oil to their body prior to wrestling which makes the everything much harder on both parties. (see pictures below)