Sındırgı Municipality Remzi Çakar Wrestling Museum

The Sındırgı Remzi Çakar Wrestling Museum is located in the center of Sındırgı district, Balıkesir, on Şerifpaşa Square. The museum was created through the renovation of a historic prosecutor’s building constructed in 1884. With a covered area of 200 square meters, the museum is also known as the “Wrestling House” and was opened to the public on 31 August 2018. The opening took place within the framework of the 20th International Sındırgı Yağcıbedir Carpet, Culture and Arts Days held in Sındırgı.

Sındırgı Municipality Remzi Çakar Wrestling Museum (Sındırgı Municipality)

Collections and Exhibitions

The museum presents to visitors the lives, wrestling careers and medals of 17 wrestlers who emerged from Sındırgı and gained fame at Kırkpınar. Notable wrestlers on display include Şerif Pehlivan, Mehmet Ali Yağcı and Mehmet Gacaroğlu.

The museum’s collection includes the following:

• Historical wrestling equipment and kispet
• Newspaper articles and photographs on wrestling
• Cups and medals belonging to wrestlers
• Figurines of cazgır, wrestling master and davul-zurna ensemble
• Wrestling stories
• Mini kispet workshop
• Bagged candy and two-meter-long printed fabric representing prizes awarded in wedding wrestling matches
• Information on the history of wrestling worldwide

Museum Areas and Services

In addition to the exhibition area, the museum building includes the following sections:

• Reading room and conference hall
• Archive section
• Workshop and educational areas
• Public café and tea station
• Souvenir shop

Purpose and Significance of Establishment

The museum was established to preserve the cultural values of Sındırgı district, transmit the history of the traditional sport of wrestling to future generations and contribute to the development of tourism in the district. It holds the distinction of being Türkiye’s first and only wrestling museum. Its establishment was awarded the Museum Encouragement Award by the Association of Historic Cities.

The History and Significance of Wrestling

Wrestling has historically emerged as a sport based on strength and competition across various societies. Ancient Turkic peoples of Central Asia regarded wrestling as a traditional sport and carried it to Anatolia during their migrations. During the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, wrestling became an indispensable part of social celebrations and festivities. With the establishment of the Republic, emphasis was placed on the development of sports, and wrestling gained widespread popularity, particularly due to the strong support it received from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Tourism and Municipal Efforts

The Sındırgı Municipality is making significant investments in tourism and culture while preserving the historical fabric of the area. Alongside the museum, the restored Sındırgı Redif Barracks has been reopened as the Kışla Museum Han Boutique Hotel and was awarded an Implementation Prize by the Association of Historic Cities. The municipality aims to promote tourism based on culture, history and sport in the district.