Recep Kara

Cengizhan Şimşek won the title of "başpehlivan" (chief wrestler) and the coveted golden belt at the ancient 661st oil wrestling festival held in Türkiye's northwestern province of Edirne on July 3.

The epic battle between two strong wrestlers, Şimşek and Mustafa Taş, was not concluded in normal time, with both of them preferring a passive style.

Turkey's oldest Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival started in the northwestern province of Edirne on July 9 and will continue through the weekend, marking its 660th anniversary.

Some 2,160 wrestlers will compete at a field in Sarayiçi, one of Edirne's most crucial recreational sites.