Kırkpınar Arena (Sarayiçi)
Sarayiçi Kırkpınar Er Meydanı
One of the world's oldest sporting events still held today; the arena and wrestler statues sit on the river island beside the palace ruins.
The Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival is said to have begun in 1346, and more than 600 editions have been held since. In 2010 it was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Wrestlers coat their bodies in olive oil, wear leather trousers and wrestle on the grass to the accompaniment of traditional drums. The competitions take place at the sports ground on Sarayiçi island in the Tunca River, and statues of past champions stand outside. Tickets for the competition season must be bought in advance. Outside the season you can visit the statues and the outer grounds of the arena, which can be combined with a tour of the Edirne Palace ruins.
Opening hours
Races held June–July each year; outer area viewable all day at other times
Nearby sights
- Edirne Palace ruins & Justice Tower
- Saraçhane Bridge
- Muradiye Mosque
- Edirne Museum
- Selimiye Mosque
- Selimiye Arasta
- Üç Şerefeli Mosque
- Old Mosque