/ 2023 / Press / Sports

• Prize
  Bronze in Press/Sports
• Photographer
  Alain Schroeder, Belgium
• Studio
  free lance
• Website
  https://alainschroeder.myportfolio.com
• Instagram
  https://www.instagram.com/alainschroeder/

Skin glistening with olive oil, wearing only the traditional kispet (thick leather pants), men of all ages, wrestle in the oldest sport in recorded history after the Olympic Games. Recognized by UNESCO in 2010, the origins of oil wrestling, date back to the Ottoman Empire.

Turkey’s national sport takes place throughout the year, culminating in the prestigious 3-day festival held in the western city of Edirne, now in its 661st year (2022). The winner will take home the coveted gold belt and title of baspehlivan (chief wrestler) for one year.