Traditional Sports

Cirit Oyunu
This traditional game is a team event, involving two teams of horsemen, who throw wooden javelins at each other to score points. During the Ottoman period it became a popular war game demonstrating the bravery of its participants, with competitions held in the Hippodrome in Istanbul. Despite its popularity, it was banned in 1826 by Sultan Mahmut II, who considered it to be too dangerous. Although it was still played regularly until about 50 years ago, now it is only played in a few regions to mark ceremonial occasions, mostly those around Erzurum and Kars in the east of Turkey, although it can also still be seen in Konya, in central Anatolia, and in Balikesir on the Agean.

Kirkpinar Yagh Gures or Greased Wrestling
This is the Turkish national sport, a competitive wrestling tournament, made more difficult by the fact that the combatants are smothered in oil. The competitors wear traditional black costumes and the event is held every year in June in a meadow just outside Edirne. Known as Kirkpinar, it literally means ‘Forty Spring’ and is said to have been named after the forty Ottoman warriors who, in the 14th century, made the first crossing of the Dardenells into Europe.

Camel Wrestling
It is thought that this sport has its origins in the nomadic tribes who depended on camels for their livelihood. Today, it is mostly popular in the Aydin region, where contests are held in the winter months from December-March. Male camels are bred and trained specifically for wrestling and must be of a certain type, known as tulu camels. Contests are held under strict regulation to protect the welfare of the animals who may only wrestle once per day in a match which lasts for only 10 or 15 minutes.