Oil Wrestling Fest in Turkey

From: Irish Times

Participants compete in the 653th annual Kirkpinar oil wrestling tournament at the Sarayici arena in Edirne, northwestern Turkey.
Photograph: Osman Orsal/Reuters

A contestant bends over to get oil slathered all over his back. Every year since 1640, Turkey's best wrestlers - men and boys - gather for their national championships on a grassy field near the Ottoman capital city of Edirne. Photograph: Erden Sahin/EPA

Perhaps a little more oil on your chest, sir?
Photograph: Erden Sahin/EPA

A slippery business, this.
Photograph: Osman Orsal/Reuters

Two wrestlers, or "pehlivans" in Turkish, in action during the traditional Kirkpinar Oil wrestling festival.
Photograph: Erden Sahin/EPA

The struggle: A referee watches as two wrestlers grapple in the grass.
Photograph: Erden Sahin/EPA

Wrestler Mustafa Tas during the proceedings.
Photograph: Erden Sahin/EPA

Wrestler Abdullah Gungor shows off his squat, imposing frame.
Photograph: Erden Sahin/EPA

An oily contest.
Photograph: Erden Sahin/EPA

Momentary stalemate.
Photograph: Osman Orsal/Reuters

A wrestler cools off.
Photograph: Erden Sahin/EPA

You can feel the coolness running through him.
Photograph: Osman Orsal/Reuters

A wrestler rests after a gruelling bout.
Photograph: Erden Sahin/EPA