Centuries-old Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling tournament kicks off in Edirne
EDİRNE
The 665th edition of the Historic Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling tournament, one of the world’s oldest continuously held sporting events, has officially begun in the northwestern province of Edirne.
A total of 840 wrestlers, including 40 başpehlivans (chief wrestlers), will compete at the Sarayiçi Er Meydanı arena across 14 categories, ranging from youth divisions to the prestigious chief wrestling title.
The official opening ceremony was held in the evening of July 3, with defending champion Orhan Okulu, winner of the 664th tournament, raising the Turkish flag before protocol speeches and the traditional parade.
