# Turkish oil wrestling festivals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-oil-wrestling-festivals
> Updated: 2026-08-07T15:54:07.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

In early August 2026, several traditional oil‑wrestling festivals were held across Turkey, drawing hundreds of athletes and large local crowds. Events in Arnavutköy, Alanya and Sinop highlighted the sport’s cultural significance, with notable winners such as Enes Doğan and Bayram Çetinkaya and accompanying concerts and speeches.

A week later, the 20th Kunduz Oil Wrestling Festival opened in Vezirköprü, Samsun Province. The opening featured a parade with a mehter band and participation from district officials, while 1,329 wrestlers competed for the coveted gold belt. The festival underscored the continued popularity and regional spread of oil‑wrestling competitions throughout Turkey.

Together, the snapshots illustrate the ongoing, nationwide schedule of oil‑wrestling festivals in Turkey during August 2026, each attracting substantial athlete participation and community engagement.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-07: Vezirköprü district hosts 20th Kunduz oil wrestling festival

Vezirköprü district in Samsun opened its 20th Kunduz oil wrestling festival with a colorful parade, featuring officials and wrestlers; 1,329 athletes will compete for the gold belt this weekend.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vezirkpr-district-hosts-20th-kunduz-oil-wrestling-festival

### 2026-08-01: Turkish Oil Wrestling Festivals Attract Thousands Across Regions

Oil wrestling festivals in Dursunköy, Gökbel and Sazlı Akbaş drew hundreds of athletes, with Enes Doğan winning Gökbel başpehlivan for the third time and large local participation.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dursunky-holds-11th-traditional-oil-wrestling-festival-in-istanbul

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Cite as: Turkish oil wrestling festivals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-oil-wrestling-festivals