Kırkpınar

When the summer heat arrives in Edirne and olive oil is poured from copper jugs, Kırkpınar begins. For a few days, this small city near the borders with Greece and Bulgaria becomes the center of traditional Turkish oil wrestling. Kırkpınar is the oldest wrestling tournament in the world and has been held for centuries. Every year, thousands of people come to Edirne to watch the event. This year, the tournament took place for the 665th time. Boys and experienced wrestlers compete side by side. Covered in olive oil, they rely on strength, skill and technique to defeat their opponents. The winner receives the title of başpehlivan, the champion of Kırkpınar.