# Traditional Turkish wrestling festivals > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/traditional-turkish-wrestling-festivals > Updated: 2026-10-11T18:12:55.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 6. Traditional Karakucak and Shalvar wrestling festivals continue to be organized across various regions in Turkey. In Canik, the Traditional Canik Karakucak Wrestling Festival concluded with 350 athletes competing in head, stars, and minis categories, where Recep Taslak won the head category. In Kahramanmaraş, the 3rd Kertmen Karakucak and Şalvar Wrestling Festival marked the return of organized wrestling to the Kertmen neighborhood after approximately 20 years. Organized by the Onikişubat Municipality and the Turkish Traditional Wrestling Federation, the event drew 733 wrestlers from over 40 provinces, including European and World champions. In the Village Wrestling category, İbrahim Avcı was named head wrestler, while Mehmet Emin Demir secured the title in the Karakucak category. A new wrestling arena with a 3,000-spectator capacity was inaugurated to support future athletes. In Malatya, the 21st International Turgut Özal Karakucak Wrestling tournament concluded in the Yeşilyurt Municipality. Held in memory of the late 8th President Turgut Özal, the event featured 345 wrestlers competing near the Çilesiz Aksa Mosque. Anıl Berkay Kılıçsallayan secured the title of head wrestler (başpehlivan). Local officials noted the tournament’s role in preserving cultural and sporting values for future generations. Most recently, the 15th Bertiz Baydemirli Traditional Short Shalvar Wrestling Festival was held on October 11, 2026, in the Baydemirli neighborhood of Kahramanmaraş’s Dulkadiroğlu district. Organized by the Dulkadiroğlu Municipality and the Turkish Traditional Wrestling Federation, the event featured club and village wrestlers competing at the Baydemirli Er Meydanı. Mayor Mehmet Akpınar hosted the festival, noting that “Bertiz is the land of bravery, manliness, and brotherhood,” and emphasized its role in promoting social solidarity and cultural heritage. ## Claims - A total of 345 wrestlers participated in the competition. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The 21st International Turgut Özal Karakucak Wrestling event was hosted by Yeşilyurt Municipality. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Anıl Berkay Kılıçsallayan won the head wrestler title. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The event is organized in honor of the late 8th President of Turkey, Turgut Özal. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-11: Bertiz Baydemirli hosts 15th Traditional Short Shalvar Wrestling Festival The 15th Bertiz Baydemirli Traditional Short Shalvar Wrestling Festival took place in Dulkadiroğlu, Kahramanmaraş, celebrating Turkish wrestling heritage and community solidarity. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bertiz-baydemirli-hosts-15th-traditional-short-shalvar-wrestling-festival ### 2026-10-09: Kahramanmaraş to host 15th Bertiz Baydemirli Wrestling Festival The 15th Bertiz Baydemirli Traditional Short Shalvar Wrestling Festival will be held on October 11, 2026, in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, to preserve local cultural heritage. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kahramanmara-to-host-15th-bertiz-baydemirli-wrestling-festival ### 2026-10-03: Turgut Özal Karakucak Wrestling tournament concludes in Malatya The 21st International Turgut Özal Karakucak Wrestling tournament in Malatya, Turkey, concluded with 345 participants. Anıl Berkay Kılıçsallayan won the head wrestler title. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turgut-zal-karakucak-wrestling-tournament-concludes-in-malatya ### 2026-09-27: Kertmen hosts traditional wrestling festival after 20-year hiatus The 3rd Kertmen Karakucak and Şalvar Wrestling Festival returned to Kahramanmaraş after 20 years, featuring 733 wrestlers and the opening of a new 3,000-capacity wrestling arena. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kertmen-karakucak-and-alvar-wrestling-festival-begins ### 2026-09-23: Onikişubat Municipality to host Kertmen Wrestling Festival Onikişubat Municipality prepares for the Kertmen Karakucak and Shalvar Wrestling Festival in Kahramanmaraş, reviving a local tradition after 20 years. Other regional news includes culinary workshops and health- 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kertmen-karakucak-and-shalvar-wrestling-festival-to-be-held-in-kahramanmara ### 2026-08-26: Canik hosts Traditional Karakucak Wrestling Festival The Traditional Canik Karakucak Wrestling Festival concluded in Canik, with Recep Taslak winning the head category among 350 competing athletes. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canik-hosts-traditional-karakucak-wrestling-festival --- Cite as: Traditional Turkish wrestling festivals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/traditional-turkish-wrestling-festivals