History Of Olive Wrestling

We know that Turks have dealt with wrestling since 4 th century B.C In victory celebrations, in wedding ceremonies and in celebrations for refreshing of nature at the beginning of spring,wrestling was the main entertainment game among Turks. During Ottoman Empire era, olive oily wrestling was the most common game, too. In addition, emperors and other administrators were encouraging, controlling and sponsoring these games. In many regions of Anatolia wrestling tekkes ( dervish lodges ) were founded and wrestling sheikhs were appointed as the leaders ( generally succesful and elder wrestler were chosen ) for these tekkes. Even, 4 th Murad and Abdülaaziz ( Sultan of Ottoman Empire ) were wellknown and strong wrestlers. Nowadays, agas; who are the sponsors of oily wrestling organizitions and are esteemed person of their region, have replaced instead of sheikhs. In Sarayiçi, near of Edirne 650 years aged Kirkpinar olive oily wrestling organizations is the most striking example, how Turks and wrestling are close friends. Establishment of Turkish Traditional Sport Branches Fereration in 1996 was a gigantic step and hopeful development for oily wrestling and all other traditional ones.




http://www.guresdosyasi.com/yagli.html
http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Yagli_gures

olive wrestling..? wow.. iv never heard of that one before.. interesting... i think that there might be several things about turkey which i still dont know.. i love learning all this stuff u know.. wow