Kirkpinar
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. 9, 2020
World's Oldest Sporting Event Delayed Due to Covid Concerns
The centuries-old Kırkpınar olive oil wrestling championship will reportedly not go ahead until the end of summer or autumn. The decision was made by the event organizers after consulting with Turkey’s Ministry of Health.
Jul. 7, 2019 World
Ali Gürbüz Wins 658th Kirkpinar Before Record-Breaking Crowds
Jul. 15, 2018 World
Apr. 2, 2018 World
Jul. 16, 2017 World
Jul. 24, 2016 Fairs, Competitions
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.