After Kırkpınar, eyes are on Kandıra: 32 başpehlivan take to the er meydanı

Following the excitement of Kırkpınar in oil wrestling, one of Turkey's deep-rooted sports traditions, it is now time for the Tarihi Namazgâh Yağlı Pehlivan Güreşleri. Organized by Kandıra Belediyesi, this grand festival will kick off at 10.00 on Wednesday, 15 Temmuz 2026, at the Namazgâh Er Meydanı. The organization is specially held in memory of the 15 Temmuz Martyrs, which carries the meaning and significance of the same date. The cortege walk, which will start in front of the Belediye Hizmet Binası, will enthusiastically inaugurate the event. Expected to draw thousands of wrestling fans, this event stands out as one of the region's most important sporting occasions.

Erhan Başaran, a renowned businessman from Kandıra, is undertaking the wrestling ağalık of this year's organization. A total of 32 başpehlivan from all over Turkey will engage in a fierce struggle in the er meydanı. The stage will be filled with the most prestigious names in the wrestling world; among them are 2026 Kırkpınar finalist Feyzullah Aktürk and fellow finalist Seçkin Duman. In addition, wrestling doyens such as Ali Gürbüz, Mehmet Yeşil Yeşil, Recep Kara, Serdar Yıldırım, and Yıldıray Pala will show up. The participation of other prominent pehlivans like Ünal Karaman, Hamza Özkaradeniz, Ali İhsan Batmaz, İsmail Koç, and Y. Emre Yaman will elevate the quality and competition level of the matches to their peak.

The event is considered not only a sporting competition but also an opportunity to promote Kandıra's cultural heritage and hospitality to a wide audience. Kandıra's local products and unique flavors will meet visitors at special stands to be set up in the event area. Through this, it is aimed to make a significant contribution to the regional economy and support local producers. The excitement, which will last for two days, will take place in a festive atmosphere where families and sports enthusiasts come together. Kandıra Belediyesi states that the organization meets with growing interest every year and makes a great contribution to the city's promotion.

Kandıra Belediye Başkanı Erol Ölmez invited all citizens to the festival, emphasizing that the event is not just a sports competition. Ölmez stated, "The Tarihi Namazgâh Yağlı Pehlivan Güreşleri is an important gathering that keeps our cultural heritage alive and strengthens our unity and solidarity." He expressed that while keeping the ancestral sport of oil wrestling alive, they also aim to showcase Kandıra's rich culture and warm hospitality in the best possible way to all guests. The Başkan sincerely invited all fellow townspeople and wrestling fans to share in this great excitement on 15 Temmuz. The Belediye teams have meticulously completed all preparations to ensure the smooth execution of the massive organization.

With the participation of thousands of wrestling fans, both a historical tradition will be kept alive and the city will be promoted on a national scale. Such events are of great importance in passing oil wrestling down to new generations and strengthening the roots of Turkish culture. This meaningful organization, held in memory of the 15 Temmuz martyrs, gives a powerful message that blends sports and love of country. The struggles that will take place at the Tarihi Namazgâh Er Meydanı will be the stage for unforgettable moments and epic wrestling matches. This grand festival, which will be experienced in Kandıra following Kırkpınar, continues to approach at full speed as one of the most anticipated and talked-about events in the Turkish oil wrestling calendar.