# Traditional oil wrestling events in Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/traditional-oil-wrestling-events-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-09-13T10:16:09.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Traditional oil wrestling (yağlı güreş) events have been held across various regions in Turkey, supported by local municipalities to preserve cultural heritage.

In the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, municipalities in Beyağaç and Elmalı organized matches to promote local wrestling centers. The 674th Historical Elmalı Oil Wrestling matches, described as ‘the first wrestling arena of the Turks,’ were attended by local officials to emphasize the importance of the tradition.

Subsequent tournaments in Kula and Elmalı have concluded with various winners. In Elmalı, Tevfik Gülter secured first place in his category, receiving sponsorship support from Öztrakya A. Ş. In Kula, Feyzullah Aktürk claimed the title of head wrestler (başpehlivan) during celebrations held at the Kula Er Meydanı.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-13: Traditional oil wrestling tournaments conclude in Kula and Elmalı

Feyzullah Aktürk won the head wrestler title at the 29th Kula Traditional Oil Wrestling, while young wrestler Tevfik Gülter secured a first-place victory at the Elmalı Oil Wrestling tournament.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/traditional-oil-wrestling-tournaments-conclude-in-kula-and-elmal

### 2026-09-09: Traditional oil wrestling events held in Beyağaç and Elmalı

Turkish municipalities are hosting major traditional oil wrestling events, including the 15th Hüseyin Çokal matches in Beyağaç and the historic 674th Elmalı wrestling competition in Antalya.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/traditional-oil-wrestling-events-held-in-beyaa-and-elmal

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Cite as: Traditional oil wrestling events in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/traditional-oil-wrestling-events-in-turkey