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Merzifon, Turkey - Wrestling
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Merzifon, Turkey - Wrestling
Wrestling at the Annual Fair at Marsovan - former location of American School in Asia Minor. Known as Merzifon today. Capital of the Amasya Province in the central Black Sea region of Turkey. Population of Merzifon is 45, 500. Merzifons name comes from Merz (meaning castle in Persian) and Fon (meaning bridge in Arabic). Famous for a chickpea and meat stew called Keskek. 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 4396543
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Annual Crowds Festival Hill Side Wrestle Wrestler Wrestlers Wrestling Amasya Games Ottoman
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph transports us back in time to the annual fair of Merzifon, Turkey, in the early 1900s. Merzifon, now a bustling town with a population of 45,500, was once known as Marsovan and was the former location of the American School in Asia Minor. Nestled in the central Black Sea region of Turkey, Merzifon is the capital of the Amasya Province and derives its name from Merz (meaning castle in Persian) and Fon (meaning bridge in Arabic). The hillside in the background of this image is filled with a lively crowd, gathered to witness the traditional Turkish sport of Yagli Gures, or oil wrestling. This national sport, also known as grease wrestling, is a centuries-old practice that involves wrestlers dousing themselves in olive oil before engaging in a grueling match. The origins of oil wrestling can be traced back to Uzbek Kurash, Tuvan Khuresh, and Tatar Koras. The wrestlers, proudly wearing their kisbet or kispet, are the epitome of strength and determination. These hand-stitched lederhosen, traditionally made from water buffalo hide but now also made from calf leather, are a crucial part of the wrestler's attire. The pehlivan, meaning hero or champion in Persian, embody the spirit of competition and courage that has been passed down through generations. This photograph offers a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of Merzifon and the Ottoman Empire. The annual fair, with its vibrant energy and excitement, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of oil wrestling in Turkish culture. This image is an essential addition to any collection of historical photographs, providing a unique window into the past.
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