One of the oldest and most colorful traditions of Turkish culture, the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival, is kicking off in 2025 with great excitement. Held for centuries in the historic city of Edirne and listed by UNESCO as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” this iconic sporting and cultural event has officially begun.
The 664th Kırkpınar Festival Takes Place from June 30 to July 6
The 664th edition of the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival is being held between June 30 and July 6, 2025, in Edirne’s historic Sarayiçi district. The actual oil wrestling matches, the heart of the festival, will take place over three days—July 4, 5, and 6.
As in every year, Edirne will welcome thousands of wrestling enthusiasts from all across Turkey. The city will come alive with the festive atmosphere, blending traditional sports with cultural celebration.
Wrestlers Are Ready: 40 Başpehlivans Entered the Draw
This year, 40 top-tier wrestlers, known as başpehlivans, have been sorted into five groups according to their past performances. According to the match-up system, a wrestler from a lower group who defeats a higher-seeded opponent will move up to the upper group for the next draw.
Top names like Yusuf Can Zeybek, Ali Gürbüz, İsmail Balaban, and Orhan Okulu are featured in the first group. Other groups include both seasoned wrestlers and promising newcomers. With this lineup, the level of competition promises to be intense and full of surprises.
What About the Prize Money for 2025?
The prize amounts for 2025 have not yet been officially announced. However, based on last year’s figures, the winner received 550,000 TL, the runner-up 275,000 TL, and the two semi-finalists 140,000 TL each. Wrestlers in other categories also received tiered cash prizes. This year’s rewards are expected to be similar—or possibly higher.
Kırkpınar Is More Than Wrestling—It’s a Living Heritage
Kırkpınar is not just a sports event; it is a living tradition and cultural legacy. Believed to have originated in the 14th century, it holds the distinction of being one of the world’s oldest continuous sporting events. Every July, the wrestling field known as Er Meydanı in Edirne becomes a stage where history and sport intertwine.
Join Us in Edirne for Kırkpınar 2025
If you want to experience the unique atmosphere of this extraordinary event, mark July 4–6 on your calendar. With fierce matches, centuries-old rituals, and a deep cultural spirit, Kırkpınar 2025 is set to deliver unforgettable moments once again.
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