Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival
Wrestling, which is defined as a mental and physical struggle between two people without using any tools and equipment under equal conditions in a certain area, certain rules and within a certain time, is one of the oldest sports in human history. Wrestling, which has attracted attention in every period of history and traditionally practiced, is known as ancestral sport in our country.
As an important symbol of creativity in the field of handicrafts, the kispet worn by pehlivans in wrestling is a narrow-legged garment made from the skins of healthy animals, extending from the waist to below the knee. Worn exclusively by pehlivans at the festival, this garment showcases the craftsmanship of a small number of craftsmen. İrfan Şahin, who has a deep knowledge and skill in the making of kispet, was declared "Living Human Treasure" by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism at an award ceremony held in 2012.
"Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival" was announced to the whole world in 2010 by being registered by our country in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
