Off the beaten path: into an oil wrestling match

Wrestling fans, lovers of Turkish culture and travelers who want to break out of the mould and travel the unbeaten path should definitely head to Turkey to check out the Elmali Oil Wrestling Event held in Antalya on September 1st.

The event takes place every year for three days, during which time over a hundred Turkish wrestlers (known as pehlivan) descend on the city in the Taurus Mountains to take part in a tradition that dates back some six hundred years.

Wrestlers cover themselves in olive oil and don traditional wrestling clothes made of water buffalo hide or calf leather. The leather pants are known as kisbet and they play a key role in the wrestling drama which follows.

Wrestlers compete to win the title of baspehlivan or Chief Hero. The title is bestowed upon the wrester who is able to perform a special move known as the paça kazik which effectively involves holding the kisbet of the opponent.

In the past, the wrestling matches could go on for days, until one man proved himself superior over his opponent. Now, the matches last for 40 minutes each.

From the UK, Lufthansa operates flights to Antalya, as do British Airways and Turkish Airlines. Cars can be rented at the airport and Elmali is only a short drive from there.

www.britishairways.com