Wrestling Sport

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.

• 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.)}

• 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.)}

• 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”.

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

^{(Generated by artificial intelligence.)}

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

• 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.

• 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.