Oil wrestling is a Turkish national sport. It is held around the world in June every year, though one of the oldest competitions is in Kirkpinar, Edirne Turkey. The wrestling is part of a festival, dating back to 1357 celebrating an Ottoman victory. The contest, known as pehlivan covered in olive oil trying to wrestle the other to the ground – maybe not everyone’s idea of fun. Oil wrestling festivals also take place in northern Greece in the Eastern Macedonia and West Thrace. In recent years, this style of wrestling has also become popular in other countries, particularly the Netherlands and Japan.
