Kirkpinar
Jul. 7, 2024
Yusuf Can Zeybek Repeats Kırkpınar Triumph
The 30-year-old defeated 2022’s de facto champion Mustafa Taş in a cautious but exciting final that went into overtime.
Jun. 25, 2024
Wrestlers Threaten Boycott of Kırkpınar Over Controversial Format Changes
After the federation governing Kırkpınar announced a controversial qualifying format to streamline the competition, 29 wrestlers said they would not participate.
Jul. 10, 2023
Yusuf Can Zeybek Triumphant at Kırkpınar
The first-time Kırkpınar winner overcame two-time champion İsmail Balaban to win the title of head wrestler at the world’s oldest sporting event.
Jul. 5, 2022
Cengizhan Şimşek Claims Başpehlivan Title at 661st Kırkpınar
Twenty-six-year-old Cengizhan Şimşek defeated several former champions en route to his victory at the 661st edition of the world’s oldest sporting event.
Jul. 12, 2021
Ali Gürbüz Claims Fourth Title at 660th Kırkpınar
Gürbüz defeated Koç to earn his second consecutive title as Turkey’s chief wrestler. He triumphed over 2,160 other entrants, who came from across the country to the northwestern city of Edirne to compete in the centuries-old tournament.
Mar. 25, 2021
Kırkpınar Governor Calls on Former Champion to Quit Reality Show
After derogatory remarks were aimed at Ismail Balaban by another contestant on Survivor Turkey, the agha of Kırkpınar thinks the former champions should leave in protest.
Oct. 8, 2020 News Briefs
With Wrestling Match Canceled, Kırkpınar Sponsor Invests in Local Education
Aug. 24, 2020 Africa / Middle East
Kırkpınar Governor Calls for Cancellation of This Year’s Event
Jul. 9, 2020 News Briefs
Jul. 7, 2019 World
Ali Gürbüz Wins 658th Kirkpinar Before Record-Breaking Crowds
Jul. 15, 2018 World
Apr. 2, 2018
Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Soon to Be a Tourist Attraction
Edirne's historic wrestling field is getting a facelift to make it a year-round tourist attraction.
Jul. 16, 2017
Ismail Balaban Wins 656th Kirkpinar
Balaban narrowly missed out on the title in 2013, when he was beaten by Ali Gürbüz, who was later stripped of the title when he was exposed as one of 16 oil wrestlers who had tested positive for banned substances.
Jul. 24, 2016
Recep Kara Wins Emotional 655th Kirkpinar
In an atmosphere filled with expressions of solidarity, more wrestlers than ever before competed in the 655th Kirkpinar in Edirne.
Jul. 16, 2016
Amid Turmoil, Edirne Readies for 655th Kirkpinar
While Turkey is wrestling with a coup attempt and the violent events that erupted from it resulting in 161 dead and 1,440 wounded, there is no announcement to postpone the 655th Kırkpınar olive oil wrestling tournament.
Jul. 27, 2015
Orhan Okulu Wins 654th Kirkpinar
Okulu overpowered his opponent, Osman Aynur, who was the winner of the 2006 competition.
Jul. 1, 2015
654th Kirkpinar Coming to Edirne, Turkey
The annual oil wrestling festival opens July 20 and continues until the final round on July 26.
Jun. 23, 2014
Fatih Atli Wins 653rd Kirkpinar
This year's wrestling tournament in Turkey required over 100 barrels of olive oil to coat the contestants.