Histoire
Yağlı güreş is Turkish oil wrestling: wrestlers cover themselves in olive oil and wear heavy leather trousers (kispet). The Kırkpınar tournament in Edirne is traditionally dated to the 14th century and is often called the oldest continuously held sporting competition in the world.
A wrestler wins by pinning the opponent's back to the ground or lifting him and walking a few steps. The champion becomes "başpehlivan" and wins the Golden Belt. UNESCO listed the Kırkpınar festival in 2010.
Le saviez-vous ?
- The oil makes grips very hard, so wrestlers often reach inside the opponent's trousers to hold them.
- Before bouts, the cazgır (announcer) introduces wrestlers in verse.
- Bouts used to have no time limit and could last a whole day.
Armes et équipement
- Kispet
- heavy leather trousers
- Olive oil
- covers the whole body
Sources: UNESCO — Kırkpınar oil wrestling festival · Encyclopaedia Britannica