Oil wrestling or grease wrestling is believed to be started some 4,500 years ago in Thrace and the Balkans. The most famous oil wrestling tournament is held in Turkey. Named Kirkpinar, it has its root in Ottoman days, and it is widely regarded as the world's oldest continuously running sporting competition. As the name suggests, the competitors -- called pehlivan -- covered their bodies in oil. In Turkish, oil wrestling is called yagli gures.
Oil wrestling or grease wrestling is believed to be started some 4,500 years ago in Thrace and the Balkans. The most famous oil wrestling tournament is held in Turkey. Named Kirkpinar, it has its root in Ottoman days, and it is widely regarded as the world's oldest continuously running sporting competition. As the name suggests, the competitors -- called pehlivan -- covered their bodies in oil. In Turkish, oil wrestling is called yagli gures.