23.03.2026 21:10
The arena where the historical Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling takes place will be relocated from its current location due to being within the Edirne Palace Has Garden as part of the Palace Revival Project.
The Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling, which has been carried on for centuries as a continuation of the legend that originated from the tale of the first raider wrestlers who died without a victor, is still celebrated today.
102-YEAR-OLD WRESTLING FIELD IS BEING RELOCATED
It is accepted that the wrestling began in the village of Samona, which is about 6 hours away from Edirne and is now within the borders of Greece. The wrestling events started to be held on Sarayiçi Island, located in the middle of the Tunca River, from 1924, after the proclamation of the Republic.
The wrestling field, surrounded by reeds, was renovated in 1985 upon the instruction of then-Prime Minister Turgut Özal. In this context, the honor stand and the stands facing the city were rebuilt in reinforced concrete and covered. The stands on the referee tower side continued to be used in their old form until 1992. In the same year, upon the instruction of President Süleyman Demirel, who visited Kırkpınar, construction of this section began, and the stands were completed in 1996. The Kırkpınar meadow, located in the private garden of the Edirne Palace, which has been on the agenda for relocation or renovation in accordance with the historical texture, will be moved from its current location as part of the revival project.
"THIS TRADITION WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP IN THE HEART OF EDİRNE"
Yasin Yıldız, the President of the National Palaces Administration, stated in a statement to AA correspondent that the wrestling field will be relocated to a nearby point as part of the project.
Yıldız emphasized that the claims regarding Kırkpınar being separated from Edirne do not reflect the truth, stating that the relevant ministries and all stakeholders in the city are approaching the issue with sensitivity. He noted that consensus was reached in meetings held with the ministries, the governorship, and the municipality regarding the relocation of the wrestling field to a nearby area, expressing that the current area is not the original location of Kırkpınar.
Yıldız stated that the process is ongoing and added:
"Hopefully, when the process is completed, we will create a much more qualified Kırkpınar field here together with all our institutions. This tradition will continue to develop in the heart of Edirne. The Kırkpınar Wrestling, with its nearly 700-year history, is not only an important part of Turkey but also a significant part of the international intangible cultural heritage. With this awareness, we continue our efforts in cooperation with all institutions."