There are many legends about Thracian oil wrestling. The most common of these is as follows: During the conquest of Rumelia, Orhan Gazi’s brother Suleyman Pasha captured Domuzhisari Castle and several castles with his 40 soldiers. While this unit was returning, they wrestled during their break in Samona, which is within the borders of Greece today. Thracian wrestling is often performed at local festivals or special events and is considered a traditional folk sport. This type of wrestling has an important place as a part of the culture of the Thrace region. 

After the Balkan War and World War I, Thracian oil wrestling was moved from the Thracian Meadow, located around the Samona village within the borders of Greece today, to the Viran lodge location on the Edirne-Mustafa Pasha Road. After the declaration of the Republic, wrestling was held in the Sarayici region of Kirkpinar Edirne Turkey.

Elements of wrestling

Wrestling squire

In the past, wrestling was held under the supervision of the squire. The most interesting aspect of Thracian wrestling is the wrestling “Aga”. He is the official who calls the wrestlers, organizes the competitions, hosts the guests, provides food and sleeping, ensures the places that the wrestling is held in accordance with the customs and traditions, gives prizes and takes security orders.

Juggler

In oil wrestling, the person who introduces the wrestlers to the audience and starts the wrestling is called “Juggler” or “Prayer”. Juggler introduces the names of the wrestlers paired by the referee committee, their titles and their skills in games with appropriate verses and prayers.

Oiling

In order to make the wrestling difficult to grasp, the wrestlers are greased around the cauldrons filled with oil and water in suitable places of the wrestling square. The wrestlers first apply oil on the left shoulder, chest, arm and kispet with the left hand. After the wrestling starts, the wrestlers can take oil and water from the pitchers in the meadow whenever they wish.

Overture

Overture is a warm-up and cultural-physical movement. These movements performed in a harmonious way, caress the pleasure of the spectators and raise the morale of the wrestler (pehlivan). With overture, the wrestler prepares his breath, muscles and heart for the fight that will start soon.

Kispet

“Kispet” is the primary wrestling equipment of every wrestler who competes in oil wrestling. The waist of the kispet, made of buffalo and calf  leather, is four fingers wide and thick. A thick rope is threaded to wrap the waist, this part is called “Pulley”. The place below the kneecap of the kispet is called “Leg”. A felt called “Pacabent” is placed between the leg and the calf, the leather part  is pulled over the felt and tied tightly with twine.

Zembil

Kispets are carried in a bag made of reeds called “Zembil”. When the wrestling is over, the kispet is cleaned, oiled to prevent the skin from drying out, and placed on the zembil to prepare for the next wrestling. The wrestler who quit wrestling wants to explain that he will not wrestle again by hanging his zembil on the wall.

Drum and Zurna

In Thrace Edirne drum and flute playing is auctioned to certain groups. Accompanied by drums and horns, the wrestlers are called to “Tutus\Grip” and both the wrestlers and the audience are excited with the wrestling atmosphere.

Red Bottom Candle 

A red bottom candle is a paraffin candle with red dye applied to its bottom. People who assumed the title of Edirne lord would send “Sealed red bottom candles” to villages, towns and cities starting from the beginning of March , informing them when the fair would open and on what date the wrestling would take place. Red bottomed candles were hung high in the cafes of villages and towns, so that everyone would know that they were invited to Edirne.

Oil wrestling games:

According to their purposes as standing games and ground games, elene, inner scythe, goose wing, standing wrestling, tying, pruning, leg, stake, scoop, reverse scoop, sword throwing, buttres, fiddle, fiddle pulling, arm pressed, foxtail. Dog tail dragging on the ground, shackle, kunde (seat hogtie, foot hogtie, oriental hogtie, waist hogtie), yoke, wolf trap, sideways and combined games can be listed as leg stakes, clasping hands, wrapping, Algerian wrapping.

Penalties in oil wrestling

Actions that require punishment are as follows: insulting the opponent, the referee or the audience with words or gestures, arguing during wrestling, not complying with other oil wrestling rules and not listening to the referee’s warnings. Competitions are held by the elimination method; the loser is eliminated and the winner continues.  

Wrestling is not only a sport, but also a culture, a tradition and a way of life. In this respect, the spirit and heritage of wrestling will never be forgotten. This special sport, which has enabled people to come together, compete and respect each other for thousands of years, holds an important place in human history.
This organisation is located in the city where my university is located. Many people from Thrace and Balkan countries come to watch. By participating in these wrestling activities, I had the opportunity to improve myself both physically and spiritually. This experience gave me the chance to not only play sports but also to learn important values such as discipline, endurance and determination .

İbrahim Pütrü