Popularly known as \u201cgrease wrestling\u201d is a Eurasian martial art form known as Oil Wrestling. This \u201cgrappling\u201d combat style is said to have originated from Turkey. Furthermore, the wrestlers essentially wear a dress code that includes a trouser made up of leather known as \u201ckisbet\u201d. In addition, UNESCO has officially included \u201cOil Wrestling\u201d in the list of \u201cIntangible Cultural Heritage\u201d. Earlier a duel in this form of wrestling used to carry on for about one or two days but, it was in the year 1975 that a time limit of 40 minutes was finally set.<\/p>\n
Apparently, Oil wrestling has been practiced throughout western Eurasia for centuries and was popular under the names of Koras, Khuresh, Kurash, etc. Furthermore, the origins of this form of wrestling can be found in the city of Babylon that was located in ancient Mesopotamia. According to the cultural history of Turkey once the Anatolia peninsula was captured by the \u201cSelijuk Turks\u201d a style of wrestling known as \u201cKarakucak Guresi\u201d was developed. It was this \u201cgrappling\u201d combat form that was further developed into what was referred to as Yagli Gures or Turkish Oil wrestling.<\/p>\n
It is mainly the \u201chand\u201d of the fighter that is used as a weapon in this combat form.<\/p>\n
In terms of technique, the primary objective of a wrestler (known as pehlivan) in this form of combat is to control his opponent by placing the arm through the leather trouser known as \u201ckisbet\u201d. Furthermore, when a wrestler acquires victory through the move mentioned above it is referred to as \u201cpacka kazik\u201d. As for training centers\/schools, there are a few available especially in Turkey for those interested in learning this \u201cgrappling\u201d martial art form.<\/p>\n\n