Wrestling Sport

Last Updated: 02.12.2025

Wrestling is a traditional combat sport in which two individuals use strength, balance, and strategy to pin each other onto their backs, either on a mat or the ground. Official competitions have referees, scoring systems, and standardized rules; traditional forms are also widely practiced.

📜 Historical Background Worldwide

One of the oldest sports in history, with roots extending from Ancient Egypt to Ancient Greece, and from Mesopotamia to China.
Featured in the ancient Olympic Games, with wrestlers depicted in wall paintings from classical Greece.

Representative image of wrestling in world and Türkiye history. (Generated by artificial intelligence.)

Historical Background in Türkiye

Wrestling is a deeply rooted tradition in Turkish culture. Since Central Asia, “pehlivanlık” has played a central role in both warfare and social ceremonies.
In the Dede Korkut epics, wrestling was held during weddings and funeral rites.
During the Ottoman period, sultans patronized wrestlers; wrestling, javelin throwing, and archery were taught in the Enderun.
The “Kırkpınar Yağlı Güreşleri” continue to this day and are inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Historical depiction of the “Kırkpınar Yağlı Güreşleri”. (Generated by artificial intelligence.)

How Is It Played?

Objective: To pin the opponent onto their back.
Two main styles: Freestyle (legs may be used) and Greco-Roman (only the waist and upper body).
Oil wrestling: Wrestlers apply olive oil to their bodies and wear special leather trousers called “kispet”.

💪 What Skills Does It Develop?

Physical: Strength, endurance, balance, reflexes.
Mental: Strategy, concentration, determination.
Social: Discipline, respect, awareness of tradition.

(Generated by artificial intelligence.)

🕰️ Time Travel:

In Central Asia, wrestling began in childhood and was part of weddings and ceremonies.
In the Dede Korkut epics, wrestling symbolizes strength and courage.

🎽 Equipment and Appearance

Matted wrestling: Conducted on a mat or soft surface.
Freestyle/Greco-Roman: Wrestling singlets and wrestling shoes.
Oil wrestling: “Kispet” (leather trousers) and olive oil.

📚 References:

Dever, Ayhan & İslam, Ahmet. “Spor Algısı in Turkish Culture Within the Historical Process.” Manas Social Research Journal,
Demir Bolçay, Deniz. History of Physical Education and Sports. Gelişim University Presentations, 2021.
“Spor in Ancient Turks.” Akademiktarihtr.com. 27 June 2025.
“Children and Sports.” Nobel Kitabevi. 27 June 2025.
“Fun Science: We Do Sports.” İş Bankası Kültür Yayınları. 27 June 2025.