12.03.2026 22:20
Due to the foot-and-mouth disease observed in many regions of Turkey, camel wrestling events were canceled, and the camels preparing for the season were taken back to their barns. In Buldan, camel owners began preparations for the new season.
Due to the foot-and-mouth disease seen in cattle and its rapid spread, camel wrestling events organized in many regions of Turkey have been canceled.
SEASON ENDED BEFORE IT STARTED DUE TO FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE
After the decision was made, camels preparing for the wrestling season went on an early vacation, while camel owners began to reconsider their plans for the new season. Nabi Barıtoğlu, who raises camels in the Buldan district of Denizli, stated that they prepared his 11-year-old camel named İhramcı for the season with prayers in November, but the events were canceled due to the disease. Barıtoğlu said, "We had prepared our camel for the new season. However, immediately after, the wrestling events were canceled due to the foot-and-mouth disease that occurred in our country. We also removed the saddle from our camel so that it wouldn't have too much burden and could be comfortable while lying down and getting up. Our season ended before it even started."
'THEY WILL SLOWLY SHED THEIR FUR'
Nabi Barıtoğlu, who stated that camel care continues despite the cancellation of the events, said, "Now we will prepare for the new season and the upcoming winter. Our camel will slowly shed its fur. We will ensure it gains weight by feeding it with different herbs such as green grass, dry feed, barley, alfalfa, vetch, and thistle. We will prepare it for the season with its care, sports, and training until November."
'THE CAMEL IS LIKE OUR CHILD'
Barıtoğlu expressed that camel herding is a passion for them, saying, "We are devoted to this work. We love camel herding. Whether the wrestling events are canceled or not, we must have at least one camel in our barn. The camel is like our child."