06.07.2026 00:01
Erkan Taş, the chief wrestler who won the gold belt at the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival, continued the centuries-old bath tradition after his championship.
Champion wrestler Erkan Taş, who won the golden belt at the 665th Historical Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival, continued the centuries-old bath tradition after his championship. He was accompanied by chief wrestler Mustafa Taş.
WENT TO THE BATHHOUSE AMIDST GREAT INTEREST
After his championship, Erkan Taş was enthusiastically greeted by citizens and tradesmen at Selimiye Mosque Square and accepted congratulations from wrestling fans. Then, accompanied by applause, the chief wrestlers walked to the historical bathhouse with Mustafa Taş and reached it amidst intense public interest. As citizens gathered at the bathhouse entrance recited salawat and prayers, Erkan Taş and Mustafa Taş proceeded into the historical bathhouse after the prayers. Thus, Kırkpınar's centuries-old bath tradition was kept alive this year as well.
CONSIDERED ONE OF THE IMPORTANT RITUALS
The bath tradition, considered one of the important rituals of the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival, adds a spiritual meaning to the championship joy of the chief wrestlers, and the walk in the city center and the bath program attracted great interest from citizens.