Oil wrestling (yağlı güreş) is one of Türkiye’s oldest sports, and Antalya province has a season of wrestling events running from spring to autumn. Some event listings mention “Golden Pomegranate Oil Wrestling” in Kemer in September, but there is no oil wrestling event in Kemer on the 2026 calendar. This guide explains the traditions of oil wrestling, the 2026 calendar for Antalya and the venues closest to Kemer. The last Antalya event of the year is in Kaş on 11 October.
2026 oil wrestling calendar in Antalya
| Date | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 19 April | Kepez Municipality Oil Wrestling | Held |
| 3 May | Kumluca Agriculture and Greenhouse Festival Oil Wrestling | Held |
| 8–10 May | 13th Manavgat Municipality Oil Wrestling | Held |
| 19 July | 28th Traditional Feslikan Plateau Oil Wrestling, Konyaaltı | Held |
| 2 August | 20th Gökbel Oil Wrestling, Alanya | Held |
| 4–6 September | 674th Historic Elmalı Oil Wrestling | Held |
| 11 October | Kaş Municipality Oil Wrestling | Coming up |
Source: 2026 oil wrestling calendar. Organisers may change dates, so check the local municipality’s announcement before you go.
What is oil wrestling?
Wrestlers (pehlivan) wear leather trousers called kispet and cover themselves in olive oil before entering the arena. The oil makes grips difficult, so technique and stamina matter as much as strength. Bouts are accompanied by drums and the zurna (a traditional wind instrument), and the cazgır calls the wrestlers into the arena with prayers and verses.
Wrestlers compete in categories by age and experience, with başpehlivan (chief wrestler) at the top. The golden belt of the Historic Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling in Edirne is the sport’s most prestigious title, and Kırkpınar is on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. At the 665th Kırkpınar in 2026, the golden belt went to Erkan Taş.
Antalya’s historic wrestling venues
Elmalı
Held for the 674th time in 2026, the Historic Elmalı Oil Wrestling is one of the oldest wrestling events in Türkiye, bringing fans to the highland town of Elmalı each September.
Feslikan Plateau, Konyaaltı
Held in July on a cool highland plateau above Antalya, with the atmosphere of a traditional summer festival.
Kaş
The season’s last stop in Antalya. The 11 October event pairs well with Kaş’s autumn season; the coastal drive from Kemer takes about three hours.
Watching as a spectator
- Arrive early: junior categories start in the morning, with the chief wrestlers competing in the afternoon and early evening.
- Bring shade and water: arenas are usually outdoors, so pack a hat, sun cream and water.
- Respect the traditions: stay quiet during the ritual warm-up (peşrev) and prayers.
- Photos: follow the arena rules and the stewards’ instructions.
From Kemer to the wrestling arena
From central Kemer you can reach the venues south and west of Antalya on a day trip: Kumluca is about an hour away and Kaş about three hours. Kemer Royal Beach Hotel is in central Kemer, about 250 metres from the sea, so the beach and marina are a short walk away when you get back. Browse our rooms or check availability.
Frequently asked questions
Is there oil wrestling in Kemer?
There is no oil wrestling event in Kemer on the 2026 calendar. Antalya events take place in Kepez, Kumluca, Manavgat, Konyaaltı, Alanya, Elmalı and Kaş.
When is the last oil wrestling event in Antalya in 2026?
Kaş Municipality Oil Wrestling on 11 October 2026.
What is the golden belt?
It’s the chief wrestler’s prize at the Historic Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling in Edirne, the sport’s most prestigious title.
Wrestling in Kemer
If you’d like to watch mat wrestling in Kemer, the International Yaşar Doğu, Vehbi Emre and Hamit Kaplan Tournament takes place in Göynük in January. For the whole year, see the Kemer events calendar.
Cover photo: Karahanhuseyin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted with typography and shared under the same licence.