After an intense weekend of slippery competition one Turkish oil wrestler has been crowned the winner and won the right to wear a golden belt for a year.
Ali Gürbüz, from the western province of Antalya, beat rival Orhan Okulu to be declared Baspehlivan or chief wrestler at the 658th Kirkpinar oil wrestling festival.
The festival, which has been held since 1362, takes place in Edirne province and it was expected three tonnes of olive oil would be used this year by more than 2380 competitors, reports TRTworld.
Wrestler Gürbüz won for the third time today and was seen proudly displaying his trophy and belt after managing to get Okulu, who won in 2015 and 2018, onto his back in their match, reports Daily Sabah.
Oil is said to be used in the historic festival to protect competitors, who wear leather trousers, from intense sunlight but others have suggested it is to keep the flies off the men as they wrestle.
Experienced wrestler Ali Gokcen, 40, said: ‘We start with prayers, read our national anthem, remember famous wrestlers and respect our cultural heritage.’
Ali Gürbüz, pictured, from the western province of Antalya, has won the title of Chief Wrestler at the 658th annual Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival in Edirne, Turkey, today
Gürbüz, pictured right, has won the traditional event twice before and defeated last year’s winner Orhan Okulu, pictured left, to take the title today
The two men (Gürbüz right and Okulu left) were covered in oil and wore leather trousers for the final day of the 658th annual Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival in Edirne today
Wrestlers Gürbüz, pictured right, and Okulu, pictured left, concentrated intensely during their important final match today
Victorious Gürbüz, pictured running, proudly celebrated his win today while opponent Okulu, left, dropped to his knees
As well as being given a trophy Gürbüz, pictured, gets the title of Chief Wrestler and is able to wear a gold belt for a year
Two young wrestlers try to throw each other to the floor during the 658th annual Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival held in Sarayici near Edirne, Turkey, on Friday
An oil-covered wrestler is seen celebrating his victory during the festival while the other man is left to get up from the floor. It is expected three tonnes of olive oil will be used this year
Even children get involved in the centuries old competition which is one of the world’s oldest sporting events. Oil is said to keep the flies off the wrestlers as they battle each other
Several fights take place at once during the festival in Turkey with each competitor covered in slippery oil. Pictured front is a duo as one man is tipped upside down
A wrestler cools off with water after competing on the first day of the 658th annual Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival on Friday
Oil wrestling has been a part of Turkish culture for hundreds of years with soldiers being said to do it to impress their lovers and show bravery. Pictured are two competitors from Friday’s events
More than two thousands people are expected to take part in the competition this year. Pictured are child wrestlers preparing for the challenge
Oil is said to protect the competitors from the harsh sunlight as the wrestle each other. Pictured are two wrestlers on Friday
Before starting the competitors, two pictured on Friday, say prayers and read the national anthem
Several men, wearing white t-shirts, watch competitors in Sarayici near Edirne, Turkey, as they wrestled this weekend
One man, centre, was pleased with his win during the competition while his opponent was left to get up from the grass
Two men are seen struggling in the oil wresting festival on Friday. Competitors wear leather trousers for the session
Men of all ages take part in the festival and travel to Edirne from across Turkey to compete. Pictured are two younger wrestlers
The winner of the competition is crowned the Baspehlivan or chief wrestler and gets to wear a golden belt for a year. Pictured are two men during their fight on Friday
Several young wrestlers covered in oil and wearing leather trousers shake hands during the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival