Kıspetçilik

Kıspetçilik, geleneksel Turkish oil wrestling is a craft profession focused on the production of the kıspet worn by wrestlers. The kıspet is a durable and flexible wrestling garment extending from the waist to below the knee, made from buffalo, cattle or male goat leather. As one of the fundamental elements of Turkish wrestling culture, the kıspet has a unique design that allows wrestlers to maintain their mobility while preventing opponents from easily gripping it.

The profession of kıspetçilik has been passed down from generation to generation since the Ottoman period through the master-apprentice relationship and has been practiced using traditional methods. Today, the number of kıspet masters is steadily declining, yet they continue to produce custom-made kıspets by hand. Traditional kıspet production involves leatherworking, hand stitching and the use of specialized patterns. The fit of the kıspet on the wrestler’s body, its flexibility during wrestling and its durability are the most critical criteria. The quality of the leather, craftsmanship and techniques used in kıspet production directly affect its performance during wrestling.

^{Kıspet (Source:} Edirne Urban Culture and Awareness⁾

The making of kıspet has evolved and taken shape in line with the Turkish people’s longstanding dedication to wrestling. Numerous historical records attest to the Turkish people’s interest in wrestling since their time in Central Asia. With the institutionalization of oil wrestling during the Ottoman period, the profession of kıspetçilik also became formalized and transmitted from master to apprentice across generations.

In Evliya Çelebi’s Seyahatname, references are made to the kıspets used in wrestling matches held at the Edirne Palace and to the artisans who produced them. The production of kıspets for the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Tournaments, one of the most important wrestling events in the Ottoman Empire, required great skill. Traditional kıspet production continued for centuries in Edirne, Balıkesir, Bursa and Istanbul like.

During the Ottoman period, sultans and grand viziers placed great importance on oil wrestling and supported kıspet production. From the 17th century onward, kıspet makers in Edirne and Istanbul organized themselves into guilds to preserve their craft. During the Republican period, kıspetçilik continued as a traditional handicraft, with production carried out primarily through custom orders.

Kıspet production is a process requiring great skill and patience. Traditional kıspets typically consist of 40 to 45 pieces and are made entirely by hand. The main stages of kıspet production are as follows:

• Buffalo, cattle or male goat leather is generally used in kıspet production.
• Special oiling treatments are applied to make the leather resistant to water.

• Patterns are created according to the wrestler’s body measurements.
• The kasnak (waist area), hazne (groin area) and leg sections are carefully cut.

• The different parts of the kıspet are sewn together using thick, strong thread.
• Traditionally, stitches are made so that no knots appear on the inner surface.
• Stitches are reinforced using special techniques to prevent opponents from easily gripping the garment.

• The kıspet is treated with a special process to enhance its flexibility.
• It is maintained with specific oils to prepare it for use.
• Wrestlers oil their kıspets after every match to preserve them.

Kıspetçilik has been transmitted for centuries through the master-apprentice relationship. Kıspet masters can only practice their craft after completing years of training. Today, only a few kıspet masters remain in Türkiye, most of whom are active in cities such as Edirne, Balıkesir and Bursa activity.

Prominent kıspet masters include İrfan Şahin, Hidayet Başsaraç, Mustafa Turabi and Mehmet Derse. İrfan Şahin, recognized by UNESCO as a “Living Human Treasure,” is one of the key masters preserving traditional kıspet production.

The kıspet is not merely a wrestling garment; it is also an integral part of Turkish sports tradition and cultural heritage. The enduring importance of oil wrestling throughout history has elevated kıspet production to a special status.

The kıspet also holds spiritual significance. Some wrestlers who retire from the sport publicly declare their retirement by hanging their kıspets from the Kaaba. Additionally, some veteran wrestlers pass their kıspets on to the next generation of wrestlers to preserve this legacy.

In 2010, UNESCO included Turkish oil wrestling and kıspet production in its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Today, although the profession of kıspetçilik has declined due to advances in modern technology, it is still kept alive by masters who continue to produce kıspets using traditional methods. The Turkish Wrestling Federation has mandated that kıspet production meet specific standards.

Although traditional kıspetçilik is among the diminishing crafts, it is still maintained by a few masters. One such master is İrfan Şahin. Having begun his apprenticeship at age 13, Şahin has spent 66 years in the profession and continues his work in his workshop in the Biga district of Çanakkale. For many years, Şahin worked alone in producing kıspets and continued to meet the needs of wrestlers even during periods when he was the only kıspet master in Türkiye.

Throughout his career, Şahin has produced thousands of kıspets and trained numerous apprentices. In 2010, he was recognized by UNESCO as a “Living Human Treasure.” His handcrafted kıspets are renowned for their quality and durability. Although modern machines now enable faster kıspet production, handcrafted production continues to retain its value. In the past, kıspets were entirely sewn by hand; today, machines allow them to be produced in a more short time. However, hand stitching and specialized leather treatments remain the defining elements of traditional kıspet quality.