I love Turkish oil wrestling; it's a masculine sport that, at least for me, has a very sensual and seductive quality. My imagination runs wild!
The goal is to make the opponent "show his belly to the sky" by pinning them on their back, carrying them for three steps, or ripping their kisbet.
The Kisbet (Kizvet): Wrestlers wear 13kg calfskin or water buffalo leather pants.
Legal Holds: Because the body is slippery, it is legal to put hands inside the opponent's kisbet to gain leverage.
Prohibited Actions: Grabbing the genitals or anus is forbidden, as are striking or foul play.
Duration: Matches generally last 30–40 minutes, but in traditional, long-lasting tournaments, there may be no time limit.
Ritual: Before the match, wrestlers perform a Peshrev (a ceremonial, dance-like warm-up).
Winner Title: The overall winner of the prestigious Kirkpinar tournament receives the title of başpehlivan (master wrestler) and a Golden Belt.