Turkish traditional wrestling festivals

In late July 2026 the 918th Aybastı Perşembe Yaylası oil‑wrestling festival was held on the high plateau of Aybastı, Ordu Province. Thousands of spectators gathered and mayor Dr. Mehmet Hilmi Güler attended as Erkan Taş defeated Mustafa Taş to become the festival’s başpehlivan.

A few days later, on 2 August 2026, the 57th Karakucak wrestling tournament took place in Doğanşar, Sivas Province, honoring the late champion Ahmet Ayık. The event drew competitors from 30 provinces; Salim Ercan emerged as the new başpehlivan after beating Kırkpınar champion Yunus Emre Yaman in the final. Politicians and sports officials, including AK Party group leader Abdullah Güler, praised the tournament’s role in preserving Turkey’s wrestling heritage.

Together the snapshots illustrate the ongoing vitality of regional Turkish wrestling festivals, each maintaining long‑standing traditions, awarding the title of head wrestler, and attracting broad public and political support.