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Izmir, Turkey - Wrestling match
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Izmir, Turkey - Wrestling match
A wrestling match between African and a Turkish professional wrestlers at Izmir (Smyrna), Turkey - posted from the Russian Post office to Lyon from Smyrna by a French tourist! Yagli gures (Turkish wrestling) is the Turkish national sport. It is commonly known as oil wrestling (sometimes as grease wrestling) because the wrestlers douse themselves with olive oil. It is related to Uzbek Kurash, Tuvan Khuresh and to Tatar Koras. The wrestlers, known as pehlivan (from Persian meaning " hero" or " champion" ) wear a type of hand-stitched lederhosen called kisbet (sometimes kispet), which were traditionally made of water buffalo hide, but now also of calf leather
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Media ID 4410162
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10272635
Grapple Greco Izmir Smyrna Smyrne Watches Watching Wrestle Wrestler Wrestlers Wrestling Ottoman
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, postmarked from Smyrna, Turkey (now Izmir), and mailed to Lyon, France in 1903, depicts an intense wrestling match between an African and a Turkish professional wrestler. The scene unfolds in the vibrant and multicultural city of Smyrna, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. The image offers a glimpse into the rich history of Yagli güreş, or Turkish oil wrestling, the national sport of Turkey. Oil wrestling, also known as grease wrestling, is a traditional and ancient sport that involves competitors dousing themselves in olive oil before engaging in a grappling match. The wrestlers, known as pehlivan, wear traditional lederhosen called kisbet, which were once made of water buffalo hide but are now often made of calf leather. The origins of oil wrestling can be traced back to Central Asia and are related to Uzbek Kurash, Tuvan Khuresh, and Tatar Koras. The sport gained popularity in Turkey during the Ottoman Empire and was considered a symbol of strength, courage, and masculinity. The photograph captures the raw energy and determination of the wrestlers as they grapple with each other, surrounded by an engaged and curious crowd. The Roman amphitheater in the background adds an historical and imperial context to the scene, emphasizing the deep-rooted traditions and cultural significance of this ancient sport. This photograph is a testament to the rich history and diverse cultural heritage of Turkey, as well as the enduring appeal of traditional sports and the human spirit of competition.
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