Kirkpinar

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.

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.

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.

Mar. 25, 2021

Kırkpınar Governor Calls on Former Champion to Quit Reality Show

After derogatory remarks were aimed at Ismail Balaban by another contestant on Survivor Turkey, the agha of Kırkpınar thinks the former champions should leave in protest.

Oct. 8, 2020

With Wrestling Match Canceled, Kırkpınar Sponsor Invests in Local Education

Seyfettin Selim has invested in a state-of-the-art nursery school and daycare in Edirne. He plans to have the school ready to open in time for the 659th edition of Kırkpınar.

Aug. 24, 2020

Kırkpınar Governor Calls for Cancellation of This Year’s Event

The Covid-19 pandemic originally delayed the 659th edition of the world's oldest sporting event from the first week of July to September. Now the main sponsor and ceremonial head of the event says he no longer supports the tournament taking place.

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.

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.

Jul. 27, 2015

Orhan Okulu Wins 654th Kirkpinar

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

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.

Jun. 23, 2014

Fatih Atli Wins 653rd Kirkpinar

This year's wrestling tournament in Turkey required over 100 barrels of olive oil to coat the contestants.

Jul. 12, 2010

Rediscovering the Origins of Olive Oil in Turkey

Recent research reinforces Anatolia’s prominence in the history of olive oil, while consumption in Turkey remains well below that of its Mediterranean neighbors.

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