What the hell is Deve güreşi
Camel wrestling, or what is called Deve güreşi in the local language, originated 2,400 years back in Turkey by some nomadic tribes, and continues to be practiced as an organised event in many parts of modern Turkey.
Camels are peaceful animals, unlike cocks and bulls which are fierce by nature so it’s difficult to convince them to fight. Hence the dates are made to coincide with the mating season when these camels resort to fighting each other to woo the female that is made to stand close to the arena.
The modern Turkish governments deemed this too backward a tradition so it was almost banned in the country. However, it is now advertised as a tourism marketing strategy to showcase some unique things to tourists.
The camel wrestling tournament held in Seluck along the Aegean coast is the largest in the country. Thousands of people can be seen swarming around to watch the match every year in this otherwise small town.
Locals insist that these are not fights and rather wrestling matches because the camels try to prove their power and not hurt each other.
The event is not just about two pairs of angry camels but a whole carnival is carved around the matches. Wide variety of music, along with food and Raki, the national spirit of Turkey flows at the battleground.
From the March-April 2017 issue of FHM India.
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