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Kirkpinar

Business

Jul. 6, 2025

Orhan Okulu Claims Third Golden Belt at 664th Kırkpınar

The Antaya native defeated Feyzullah Aktürk at the historic olive oil wrestling tournament, widely considered the world's oldest sporting event.

A male wrestler with a muscular build, wearing traditional oil wrestling attire, standing in a field. - Olive Oil Times
World

Jul. 7, 2024

Yusuf Can Zeybek Repeats Kırkpınar Triumph

The 30-year-old defeated 2022’s de facto champion Mustafa Taş in a cautious but exciting final that went into overtime.

Two wrestlers in a close hold during a match, with their bodies glistening under the light. - Olive Oil Times
Business

Jun. 25, 2024

Wrestlers Threaten Boycott of Kırkpınar Over Controversial Format Changes

After the federation governing Kırkpınar announced a controversial qualifying format to streamline the competition, 29 wrestlers said they would not participate.

A shirtless man with a muscular build raising his arm in celebration outdoors. - Olive Oil Times
Business

Jul. 10, 2023

Yusuf Can Zeybek Triumphant at Kırkpınar

The first-time Kırkpınar winner overcame two-time champion İsmail Balaban to win the title of head wrestler at the world’s oldest sporting event.

Shirtless male athlete with short dark hair standing outdoors, looking to the side. - Olive Oil Times
World

Jul. 5, 2022

Cengizhan Şimşek Claims Başpehlivan Title at 661st Kırkpınar

Twenty-six-year-old Cengizhan Şimşek defeated several former champions en route to his victory at the 661st edition of the world’s oldest sporting event.

Two men wrestling on the ground while a referee and spectators cheer in the background. - Olive Oil Times
Fairs, Competitions

Jul. 12, 2021

Ali Gürbüz Claims Fourth Title at 660th Kırkpınar

Gürbüz defeated Koç to earn his second consecutive title as Turkey’s chief wrestler. He triumphed over 2,160 other entrants, who came from across the country to the northwestern city of Edirne to compete in the centuries-old tournament.

A wrestler celebrating with arms outstretched in front of a large Turkish flag, wearing a championship belt and medals. - Olive Oil Times
Group of officials seated at a table during a press conference with microphones and a Turkish flag. - Olive Oil Times
Two male wrestlers in a Greco-Roman wrestling match, grappling on a grassy field. - Olive Oil Times
Young men in wet clothing walking in a line during a traditional event on a grassy field. - Olive Oil Times
Group of enthusiastic fans celebrating at a sports event with one man prominently shouting. - Olive Oil Times
A shirtless male competitor in traditional Turkish oil wrestling raising his arm in victory. - Olive Oil Times
World

Jul. 15, 2018

Redemption for Orhan Okulu at 657th Kirkpinar

Last year's runner-up has now claimed victory at the 2018 Kirkpinar olive oil wrestling championship.

Two wrestlers engaged in a match on a grassy field with spectators in the background. - Olive Oil Times
World

Apr. 2, 2018

Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Soon to Be a Tourist Attraction

Edirne's historic wrestling field is getting a facelift to make it a year-round tourist attraction.

A shirtless wrestler celebrating with a crowd of spectators after a match. - Olive Oil Times
World

Jul. 16, 2017

Ismail Balaban Wins 656th Kirkpinar

Balaban narrowly missed out on the title in 2013, when he was beaten by Ali Gürbüz, who was later stripped of the title when he was exposed as one of 16 oil wrestlers who had tested positive for banned substances.

Competitors in a Turkish oil wrestling match with one wrestler celebrating a victory in a grassy field. - Olive Oil Times
World

Jul. 24, 2016

Recep Kara Wins Emotional 655th Kirkpinar

In an atmosphere filled with expressions of solidarity, more wrestlers than ever before competed in the 655th Kirkpinar in Edirne.

Two male wrestlers in a Greco-Roman wrestling match, grappling on a grassy field. - Olive Oil Times
World

Jul. 16, 2016

Amid Turmoil, Edirne Readies for 655th Kirkpinar

While Turkey is wrestling with a coup attempt and the violent events that erupted from it resulting in 161 dead and 1,440 wounded, there is no announcement to postpone the 655th Kırkpınar olive oil wrestling tournament.

Athlete celebrating victory by holding a trophy and wearing multiple medals at a competition. - Olive Oil Times
World

Jul. 27, 2015

Orhan Okulu Wins 654th Kirkpinar

Okulu overpowered his opponent, Osman Aynur, who was the winner of the 2006 competition.

A man with oiled skin receiving oil poured onto his abdomen during a competition. - Olive Oil Times
World

Jul. 1, 2015

654th Kirkpinar Coming to Edirne, Turkey

The annual oil wrestling festival opens July 20 and continues until the final round on July 26.

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