Pehlivan Life

Oil wrestling uses olive oil, which does not burn the eyes and can be easily removed from the skin once it's been in contact with sweat. In some places, pehlivans use sunflower seed oil, which is less expensive.

In Istanbul, it's olive oil on the wrestlers' body, with sunflower seed oil used only to oil their kispets, the special, traditional pants worn while wrestling. The kispet has a tight waistline, and is not easy to put on when oiled. You first oil the inside of the kispet, then the crouch area, than the hip area in that order. It gets easier with time but beginners always have a hard time at first. The first try may even last up to 10 minutes without a little help from others.

Most pehlivans have a second job. Some in Istanbul are gym teachers, security guards, businessmen, students. There is even a pharmacist. But all are dedicated to the sport.

Taking the oil off from the skin is not hard if you have soap. But you must also find water at the wrestling site. Some pehlivans remember having to take baths in rivers, mosques, with water brought in bottles, or next to a fire truck... and one time, even in a morgue.