mutually agreed.
Turkey
B. NAME OF THE ELEMENT
B.1. Name of the element in English or French
This is the official name of the element that will appear in published material about the
Representative List. It should be concise. Please do not exceed 200 characters, including spaces
and punctuation. The name should be transcribed in Latin Unicode characters (Basic Latin, Latin-1
Supplement, Latin Extended-A or Latin Extended Additional).
Kırkpınar oil wrestling festival
B.2. Name of the element in the language and script of the community concerned, if
applicable
This is the official name of the element in the vernacular language corresponding to the official
name in English or French (point B.1.). It should be concise. Please do not exceed 200 characters
in Unicode (Latin or others), including spaces and punctuation.
—
B.3. Other name(s) of the element, if any
In addition to the official name(s) of the element (B.1.) please mention alternate name(s), if any, by
which the element is known, in Unicode characters (Latin or others).
—
C. CHARACTERISTIC OF THE ELEMENT
C.1. Identification of the communities, groups or, if applicable, individuals concerned
According to the 2003 Convention, intangible heritage can only be identified with reference to
communities, groups or individuals that recognize it as part of their cultural heritage. Thus it is
important to identify clearly one or several communities, groups or, if applicable, individuals
concerned with the nominated element. The information provided should allow the Committee to
identify the communities, groups or individuals concerned with an element, and should be mutually
coherent with the information in sections 1 to 5 below.
Edirne Municipality
Governorship of Edirne
Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism of Edirne
Edirne Historical Kırkpınar Culture and Solidarity Association
Trakya University
Local History Community
Edirne Historical Kırkpınar Davul-Zurna (Bass Drum-Surnay) Band
Edirne Kırkpınar Musicians Association
Association for Promotion of Edirne Culture and Handcrafts
Romani Dance Ensemble
C.2. Geographic location and range of the element and location of the communities,
groups or, if applicable, individuals concerned
This section should identify the range of distribution of the element, indicating if possible the
geographic locations in which it is centred. If related elements are practiced in neighbouring areas,
please so indicate.
Kırkpınar oil wrestling is performed in Edirne.
Other cities where oil wrestling activities are held, are: Afyon, Ankara, Antalya, Bursa, Bolu,
Çanakkale, Isparta, İstanbul, Kırklareli, Kocaeli, Manisa, Sakarya, Samsun and Tekirdağ.
C.3. Domain(s) represented by the element
Identify concisely the domain(s) of intangible cultural heritage manifested by the element, which
might include one or more of the domains identified in Article 2.2 of the Convention. (This
information will be used primarily for visibility, if the element is inscribed.)
Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural
heritage; (prayers by cazgırs)
Performing arts (as the whole event is displayed in front of audience)
Social practices, rituals and festive events (consists of various ritual and practices)
Traditional craftsmanship (kıspet, the handmade costume worn exclusively by pehlivans and
zembil - a kind of tool for carrying the kıspet)
D. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE ELEMENT
The brief description of the element will be particularly helpful in allowing the Committee to know at
a glance what element is being proposed for inscription, and, in the event of inscription, will be
used for purposes of visibility. It should be a summary of the description provided in point 1 below
but is not an introduction to that longer description.
Emerged in XIVth century Rumelia (Southwestern part of Turkey), Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling is one
of the world’s oldest festivals (648 years). The main theme of the festival is oil wrestling,
pehlivans being the main figures. Pehlivans are the wrestlers who oil themselves before the
match. Pehlivans are culturally important figures for Turkish people. The festival attracts
thousands of people from different age groups, cultures and regions. The festival is carried out
by a group of traditionally dressed figures such as pehlivans, wrestling aga (who is the main
sponsor), cazgır (who introduces pehlivans to the audience), davul-zurna players (the festival
band), oil man (who helps the oiling of the pehlivans) and peşgirci (towel holder). These figures
are of significance for Turkish society. Recognizing as a part of Turkish intangible cultural
heritage, Kırkpınar Oil wrestling has been preserved up to date.
1. IDENTIFICATION AND DEFINITION OF THE ELEMENT (CF. CRITERION R.1)
This is the key section of the nomination to satisfy criterion R.1: “The element constitutes
intangible cultural heritage as defined in Article 2 of the Convention”. A clear and complete
explanation is essential to demonstrate that the nominated element meets the Convention’s
definition of intangible heritage. This section should address all the significant features of the
element as it exists at present, and should include:
a. an explanation of its social and cultural functions and meanings today, within and for its
community,
b. the characteristics of the bearers and practitioners of the element,
c. any specific roles or categories of persons with special responsibilities towards the
element,
d. the current modes of transmission of the knowledge and skills related to the element.
The Committee should receive sufficient information to determine:
a. that the element is among the “practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills —
as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith —“;
b. “that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize [it] as part of their
cultural heritage”;
c. that it is being “transmitted from generation to generation, [and] is constantly recreated by
communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and
their history”;
d. that it provides communities and groups involved with “a sense of identity and continuity”; and
e. that it is not incompatible with “existing international human rights instruments as well as with
the requirements of mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals, and of
sustainable development”.
Overly technical descriptions should be avoided and submitting States should keep in mind that
this section must explain the element to readers who have no prior knowledge or direct experience
of it. Nomination files need not address in detail the history of the element, or its origin or antiquity.
Kırkpınar Oil wrestling Festival is a traditional practice which is composed of a set of rituals and
can be traced back to middle ages. Emerged in XIVth century Rumelia (Southwestern part of
Turkey), Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling is one of the world’s oldest festivals (648 years). 648th Kırkpınar
Oil wrestling Festival was organized in Edirne, in 2009.
Festival ceremonies last for three days (visual materials are attached). The festival is launched
by the welcoming ceremony of Kırkpınar Aga with 40 davul-zurna bands in front of Edirne Municipality Building.
The festival activities then moves on ceremonial procession in the city center followed by
moment of silence ceremony, singing the Kırkpınar anthem and visiting the ‘Cemetery of
Pehlivans’. The “golden belt” which the Chief Pehlivan (Baş Pehlivan) will be rewarded with is
carried during the ceremonial procession. The festival starts on Friday, which is regarded as holy
by the Muslims. The reason for choosing Holy Friday as the first day of the festival is the
tradition of reciting mevlid (prayer) for the pehlivans. The “mevlid” is recited in historical Selimiye
Mosque by the participation of all pehlivans. The events continue with the wrestling of pehlivans
on an arena built exclusively for the festival in the outside of the city centre, Men’s Field
(Er Meydanı) is the place where the oil wrestling is held as a customary practice of Pehlivan
wrestling. Oiling of pehlivans in the field and Peşrev, which consists of a series harmonized
warming up exercises and salutation, are important rituals of the festival. The festival goes on
with the introduction of the pehlivans by cazgırs and at the end of the third day, the festival
closes with the awarding of Kırkpınar Golden Belt to the winner called Chief Pehlivan. A band of
40 davul-zurna players perform ‘Kırkpınar tunes’ throughout the festival.
What distinguishes Kırkpınar from any other wrestling festival is its rich cultural form which
preserved its traditional image for centuries. Attracting people from all regions of Turkey,
Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival contributes greatly to social peace along with a sense of cultural
cohesion. Such a rooted tradition which is sustained by the groups, communities and individuals
contributes to dissemination of intangible cultural heritage concept as well.
Kırkpınar can be considered as a fair with its authentic objects (red-bottomed candles, kıspets,
local traditional clothes, peşgirs, zembils -a kind of tool for carrying the kıspet, tools for oil,
davuls and zurnas, golden belt), rituals (praying, mevlid tradition, peşrev and oiling) and cultural
identities ( pehlivan figure) (pehlivan, Kırkpınar agası (main sponsor), cazgır).
Main Elements of the Festival
Pehlivans
Wrestlers who oil themselves are called pehlivans. The figure of pehlivan is an important
element of cultural identity for Turkish people. Pehlivans are exemplary figures in the society
with their attributes like generosity, honesty, adherence to traditions and customs and
respectfulness. Therefore, the most chivalrous pehlivans or pehlivans that display the best
peşrev are also rewarded. Pehlivans are trained in master-apprentice tradition.
All the wrestlers in the festival are called ‘pehlivan’. The ultimate winner of the Kırkpınar Oil
Wrestling is called Chief Pehlivan of Turkey and he carries the golden belt for one year’s period.
The wrestler, who becomes chief pehlivan for three consecutive years, also becomes the owner
of the golden belt. Kırkpınar Aga Concept of aga is one of the most fundamental elements of Kırkpınar Oil-Wrestling. The concept of Aga is regarded as an institutional identity. As pehlivans, agas are also considered as exemplary figures in the society who adhere to traditions. Kırkpınar Aga is officially recognized by the state and thus a car with a red plate (a type of official plate) written Kırkpınar Aga on is specifically allocated to the Aga. This red plate is valid at least for one year during the period of Agalık. Following the festival opening, agalık for next year is announced. The one who offers to make the highest financial contribution to cover the festival costs is designated as Kırkpınar Aga for the next year. This tradition is one of the most important elements as regards to the sustainability of the festival. Kırkpınar Aga is the main sponsor of the festival events.
Cazgır
Also known as salavatçıs, cazgırs introduce all the pehlivans to the audience citing their names,
titles, skills in verse format and through prayers and they start the match. They are also
supposed to introduce the opponents to each other after the pairing up, praying and informing
both sides about the strong points each opponent has with advices. They need to have a fine
strong voice and be able to improvise prayers in verse.
Cazgırs strive to maintain unity within the field and bring the pehlivans together in a common
spirit. Their talks inspire and excite the people around. They utter prayers called salavat in a
musical style which catalyzes the enthusiasm of the participants. Cargırs are acknowledged as a
profession and they come from a master-apprentice tradition.
Davul - Zurna players
As another essential element of oil wrestling festival, davul-zurna players are trained in masterapprentice
tradition. Kırkpınar music which is known as pehlivan tunes is played exclusively in
this festival. A group of 40 davul-zurna players perform during the festival. In Edirne, three
different associations have been established to perform musical pieces for Kırkpınar Festival.
During the festival, davul-zurna band performs in traditional dresses.
Instruments of Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling
Kıspet
Kıspet is the basic outfit of a pehlivan. They are a kind of thick trousers made of water buffalo or
cow leather. Currently, kıspet is tailored by a limited number of masters in Çanakkale and
Samsun provinces.
Zembil
Zembil, a traditional handcraft, which is a hand-made instrument produced on a special reed
workbench. Zembil is only made and used for carrying the kıspet.
Red Bottomed Candle
This candle is the official symbol of invitation for Kırkpınar. In the past these candles were hung
in coffee houses of towns and villages to indicate the townsfolk were invited to the Kırkpınar.
2. CONTRIBUTION TO ENSURING VISIBILITY AND AWARENESS AND TO ENCOURAGING DIALOGUE
(CF. CRITERION R.2)
The nomination should demonstrate (Criterion R.2) that “Inscription of the element will contribute to
ensuring visibility and awareness of the significance of the intangible cultural heritage and to
encouraging dialogue, thus reflecting cultural diversity worldwide and testifying to human
creativity”.
Please explain how the element’s inscription on the Representative List will contribute to ensuring
visibility of the intangible cultural heritage and will raise awareness at the local, national and
international levels of its importance. This section need not address how inscription will bring
greater visibility to the element, but how its inscription will contribute to the visibility of intangible
cultural heritage more broadly.
Explain how inscription will promote respect for cultural diversity and human creativity, and will
promote mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals.
The main theme of the festival is oil wrestling and as for the oil wrestling, pehlivans are the main
figures. Pehlivans oil themselves before the match. Pehlivans are culturally important figures for
Turkish people. Pehlivans are exemplary figures in the society with their attributes like
generosity, honesty, adherence to traditions and customs and respectfulness. This cultural
identity is transmitted by pehlivans to younger pehlivan candidates. Hence the sustainability of
pehlivan tradition is achieved. This practice has been preserved in the same way for centuries.
Kırkpınar Wrestling Events are a series of ceremonies and rituals which attract people of all
ages from everywhere and are enjoyed with great excitement.
Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling, also known as men’s field, is open to all people from all cultures, regions
and ages without discriminating between religions, languages or races. This quality of the events
makes them humanistic and peaceful.
Proving its creativity in the area of ICH with its authentic tunes and oral works (cazgırs’ prayers
and poems) this element would be highly visible as a good example of human creativity. Cazgırs
have an important mission as the vessels who establish the dialogue between the pehlivans and
audience coming from all around Turkey and abroad. Cazgırs, as important bearers of ICH,
contribute the establishment of the dialogue between people from different cultures through their
poetic prayers called as dualama. Besides being an arena for oil wrestling, in a sense, Kırkpınar
is also a grand feast where entertainment and culinary culture are displayed and cultural
exchange is achieved. This carnival atmosphere contributes to the development of social
dialogue.
This tradition is equally creative in the area of handicrafts. Kıspets and zembils, prepared
exclusively for oil wrestling, are produced by using special techniques. Therefore the
continuation of the traditional craft of kıspet and zembil making depends on the sustainability of
oil wrestling.
Edirne Municipality, with the project of Historical Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Events, came first in
Turkey at European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) and was officially invited by European
Commission to European Day of Tourism program. It is expected that being included in the
EDEN Project, Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Events will contribute to the visibility and promotion of
ICH.
3. SAFEGUARDING MEASURES (CF. CRITERION R.3)
Items 3.a. to 3.c. request the elaboration of a coherent set of safeguarding measures as called for
in Criterion R.3: “Safeguarding measures are elaborated that may protect and promote the
element”. Such measures should reflect the broadest possible participation of the communities,
groups or, if applicable, individuals concerned, both in their formulation and in their
implementation.
3.a. Current and recent efforts to safeguard the element
Please describe the current and recent efforts of the concerned communities, groups or, if
applicable, individuals to ensure the viability of the element. Describe efforts of the concerned
State(s) Party(ies) to safeguard the element, taking note of external or internal constraints, such as
limited resources.
Safeguarding through Legislation
Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling is under the protection of “Regulation of Historical Kırkpınar Oil
Wrestling” which was published in the Official Gazette on May 23, 2000. The regulation sets out
the frame for the implementation/implementing body and supervision. The main goal of the
steering committee of the organization is to ensure the preservation of the traditional form of
Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling and to supervise the activities of bodies/institutions concerned.
Academic Contribution
Kırkpınar Physical and Sports Education Department in the University of Trakya has been
founded in order to establish an educational staff for the safeguarding of Kırkpınar. Thus,
academic studies on Kırkpınar oil wrestling are conducted in this department.
Contribution of NGOs
To contribute the safeguarding and the transmission of Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling culture, Edirne
Historical Kırkpınar Culture and Solidarity Association has established “Kırkpınar House” in
Edirne. This center can be considered as a museum with its collection of documents for
nationals and foreigners as well as various ethnographic items. This center has an important
function with regard to promotion of the element.
In Kırkpınar Symposium, which was held for the 5th time this year, the musicality of the events
(davul-zurna / tunes / rhythm) was particularly studied and was promoted on a wider scale.
There are three davul-zurna ensembles in Edirne accompanying Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Events,
each ensemble consisting of 50 members and 150 persons in total.
Public Institution
A “Kırkpınar Odası” (Kırkpınar section) has been included in Islamic Arts Museum located within
Edirne Selimiye Mosque Complex. This section, consisting of various ethnographic items,
photographs and written documents, is frequently visited by national and international visitors.
Media
Until today, institutions such as Turkish Wrestling Foundation, Institution for Art of Photography
and Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) have contributed in various ways to the
promotion and sustainability of this element. Traditionally, every year, Kırkpınar Photography
Contest is organized by Edirne Municipality.
Participatory Support
The great interest among the public has been a major factor for the survival of this element up to
this day. Peoples’ support is not limited to attendance to the events but they also support the
tradition like presenting gifts to e.g pehlivans.
3.b. Safeguarding measures proposed
For the Representative List, the safeguarding measures are those that may help to solidify the
element’s current viability and to ensure that its viability is not jeopardized in the future, especially
as an unintended result of inscription and the resulting visibility and public attention.
Identify and describe the various safeguarding measures that are elaborated that may, if
implemented, protect and promote the element, and provide brief information concerning, for
example, their priority, scope, approaches, timetables, responsible persons or bodies, and costs.
Under the coordination of Provincial Directorates for Culture and Tourism a meeting was held on
July 9, 2009 with the participation of the Municipality of Edirne, NGOs, universities, museum,
press, davul-zurna players and pehlivans.
In this meeting the following were proposed for the safeguarding of the element:
- Kırkpınar House Museum
Used as a museum and accessible by all, Kırkpınar House is administrated by Edirne Historical
Kırkpınar Culture and Solidarity Association. Ministry of Culture and Tourism will convert it to a
museum in 2 years (2010-2011).
Personnel Support
Ministry of Culture and Tourism will annually provide the festival organization with budgetary and
technical assistance.
Duration: Begins in 2011
Festival Protocol
A responsible body will be designated by Municipality, Governorship (Provincial Directorate),
MoCT, Trakya University and NGOs and a protocol will be prepared for conducting the
procedures.
Duration: Begins in 2011
The Scope of the Festival
The scope of the festival will be broadened for the purpose of including more NGOs to take part
actively.
Duration: Begins in 2011
Establishing a Foundation
A foundation regarding Kırkpınar, honorary president of which will be the Mayor will be
established. This foundation will work on the enhancement of the participation within the
framework of the abovementioned protocol.
Duration: Begins in 2012
Kırkpınar Musical Ensemble
A musical ensemble for Kırkpınar oil wrestling tunes as a subsidiary of MoCT will be assembled.
Duration: Begins in 2012
Training of Cazgırs
MoCT will support training programs for the cazgırs.
Duration: Begins in 2012
Museum of Kırkpınar Property
The museum will be established by the University of Trakya with contribution of MoCT.
Duration: Begins in 2014
Kırkpınar Symposium
The symposium will be held by Trakya University in collaboration with organizations/institutions
concerned.
Duration: Begins in 2011
The name of the Sports Academy of Trakya University will be converted into ‘Kırkpınar Oil
Wrestling’ and to establish a department related to oil wrestling will be recommended.
Duration: Begins in 2012
The Music of Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling
University of Trakya and Dokuz Eylül University will study on the musical notation of Kırkpınar
tunes.
Duration: 2011-2013
Publishing-Promotion
MoCT will prepare the documentary and musical recordings regarding Kırkpınar oil wrestling and
Kırkpınar Photo Exhibition/Show. Duration: 2010-2011
Kırkpınar Book
A “Prestige Book” by MoCT with regard to all phases and dimensions of Kırkpınar oil wrestling
will be published. Duration: 2009-2010
3.c. Commitment of communities, groups or individuals concerned
The feasibility of safeguarding depends in large part on the aspirations and commitment of the
communities, groups or, if applicable, individuals concerned. This section should provide evidence
that the communities, groups or, if applicable, individuals concerned have the will and commitment
to safeguard the element if conditions are favourable. The best evidence will often be an
explanation of their involvement in past and ongoing safeguarding measures and of their
participation in the formulation and implementation of future safeguarding measures, rather than
simple pledges or affirmations of their support or commitment.
Historical Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Steering Committee of the Organization
The Committee is responsible for the execution of the events loyal to its traditional context. It
ensures Sarayiçi Field is equipped properly for the events. The Committee conducts studies in
line with the traditional aspects of oil wrestling as is customary. The committee also supervises
the responsible institutions in accordance with the Regulation of Historical Kırkpınar Oil
Wrestling.
Kırkpınar Aga
Each year, a Kırkpınar Aga is chosen for the next year and Aga needs to make a financial
contribution of approximately $250.000 for the festival. Hence, the organization of the festival of
the following year is guaranteed. Aga’s contribution is not limited to financial support, he is also
expected to host important guests and bestow gifts such as gold etc. to successful pehlivans.
Audience Support
The entrance to the arena where the festival takes place is charged. The income received
through the thousands of tickets sold is allotted to cover some expenses of the festival activities
3.d. Commitment of State(s) Party(ies)
The feasibility of safeguarding also depends on the support and cooperation of the concerned
State(s) Party(ies). This section should provide evidence that the State Party concerned has the
commitment to support the safeguarding effort by creating favourable conditions for its
implementation and should describe how the State Party has previously and will in the future
demonstrate such commitment. Declarations or pledges of support are less informative than
explanations and demonstrations.
Municipality of Edirne
As the responsible body for the organization and execution of the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling
Festival, the Municipality designates and invites pehlivans, cazgırs, davul-zurna players, press
and other guests. The transportation and accommodation expenses of all the participating
groups are also covered by the Municipality, which is the main sponsor of events.
4. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND CONSENT IN THE NOMINATION PROCESS (CF. CRITERION R.4)
This section asks the submitting State Party to establish that the nomination satisfies Criterion R.4:
‘The element has been nominated following the widest possible participation of the community,
group or, if applicable, individuals concerned and with their free, prior and informed consent’.
4.a. Participation of communities, groups and individuals in the nomination process
Describe how and in what ways the community, group or, if applicable, individuals concerned have
participated actively in the nomination process at all stages, as required by Criterion R.4. States
Parties are further encouraged to prepare nominations with the participation of a wide variety of
other concerned parties, including where appropriate local and regional governments,
neighbouring communities, NGOs, research institutes, centres of expertise and other interested
parties. The participation of communities in the practice and transmission of the element should be
addressed in point 1 above, and their participation in safeguarding should be addressed in point 3;
here the submitting State should describe the widest possible participation of communities in the
nomination process.
Requests for the inclusion of the element of Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival in the national
inventory, its safeguarding and registration in the Representative List was sent to MoCT
Directorate General of Research and Training in 2008 through local ICH boards which are
comprised of representatives of concerning institutions in Edirne, academicians, NGOs and
bearers of ICH. After evaluating the aforementioned requests in the Commission of Experts,
Directorate General of Research and Training concluded in the inclusion of the element in
national inventory in 2008 and that the nomination file should be prepared for the element to be
registered in the 2009 Representative List.
After Directorate General of Research and Training has initiated nomination file preparations, it
held the concerning meeting on July 9, 2009 in Edirne with the bearers and the representatives
of the element (Governorship of Edirne/Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, Edirne
Municipality, City Council/Local History Community, Edirne Kırkpınar Historical Davul-Zurna
Band, Safeguarding and Cultural Association, Romani Dance Ensemble, Chief Pehlivans) and
local authorities.
The meeting was held in Edirne where the element exists. The concerning organizations and
institutions have stated their views with a participative approach. The representatives have
expressed their thoughts on the current situation, problems and recommendations. The
requests, wishes and deficiencies regarding the element are noted and thus an action plan for
the safeguarding process has been adopted.
4.b. Free, prior and informed consent to the nomination
The free, prior and informed consent to the nomination of the element from the community, group
or, if applicable, individuals concerned may be demonstrated through written or recorded
concurrence, or through other means, according to the legal regimens of the State Party and the
infinite variety of communities and groups concerned. The Committee will welcome a broad range
of demonstrations or attestations of community consent in preference to standard or uniform
declarations..
Please attach supporting evidence demonstrating such consent and indicate below what evidence
you are providing and what form it takes.
The documents are attached. (See Annex I)
4.c. Respect for customary practices governing access
Access to certain specific aspects of intangible cultural heritage is sometimes restricted by
customary practices governing, for example, its transmission or performance or maintaining the
secrecy of certain knowledge. Please indicate if such practices exist and, if they do, demonstrate
that inscription of the element and implementation of the safeguarding measures would fully
respect such customary practices governing access to specific aspects of such heritage (cf. Article
13 of the Convention). Describe any specific measures that might need to be taken to ensure such
respect.
There is no restraint in terms of the customary practices governing access to the element.
5. INCLUSION OF THE ELEMENT IN AN INVENTORY (CF. CRITERION R.5)
This section is where the State Party establishes that the nomination satisfies Criterion R.5: “The
element is included in an inventory of the intangible cultural heritage present in the territory(ies) of
the submitting State(s) Party(ies) as defined in Articles 11 and 12”.
Identify the inventory in which the element has been included and the office, agency, organization
or body responsible for maintaining that inventory. Demonstrate that the inventory has been drawn
up in conformity with Articles 11 and 12, in particular Article 11(b) that stipulates that intangible
cultural heritage shall be identified and defined “with the participation of communities, groups and
relevant non-governmental organizations” and Article 12 requiring that inventories be regularly
updated.
The nominated element’s inclusion in an inventory should not in any way imply or require that the
inventory(ies) should have been completed prior to nomination. Rather, a submitting State Party
may be in the process of completing or updating one or more inventories, but has already duly
included the nominated element on an inventory-in-progress.
Turkey has two national inventories named as National Inventory of ICH and National Inventory
of Living Human Treasures.
As the executive body, MoCT Directorate General of Research and Training, in cooperation with
its provincial directorates in 81 cities along with representatives from related institutions (Public
Education Center, Municipality, NGOs, universities) and bearers of ICH, formed "ICH Boards"
and reestablished its inventory system accordingly.
The Board in Edirne prepared the necessary form regarding the inclusion of Kırkpınar Oil
Wrestling Festival in the National Inventory of ICH and sent it to MoCT Directorate General of
Research and Training in 2008.
The Commission of Experts which evaluated the nomination proposal in its third meeting held on
December 4, 2008 in the Directorate General of Research and Training, decided to include
Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival in Intangible Cultural Heritage National Inventory of Turkey.
A kıspet master living in Çanakkale was proposed to be included in National Inventory of Living
Human Treasures. This nomination proposal is still being evaluated by the Commission of
Experts.
Aforementioned inventories involve safeguarding projects and measures at both local and
national level.
DOCUMENTATION
a. Required and supplementary documentation
Primary materials Supplementary materials
Photos 10 items —
Video Video (10 minutes) —
Audio — —
Maps — —
Books
Kar, Zeki (Ed.) (2003) Er
Meydanı: Kırkpınar Geleneksel
Yağlı Güreşleri (Men’s Field
Kırkpınar Traditional Oil-
Wrestling) ETUR Edirne Turizm
ve Endüstri A.Ş.Edirne
—
b. Cession of rights including registry of items
Required cession of rights provided.
c. List of additional resources
Kahraman, Atıf (1989), Cumhuriyete Kadar Türk Güreşi Cilt 1, Ankara: Kültür Bakanlığı
Yayınları, Kültür Eserleri Dizisi 133, 221 S.
Kahraman, Atıf (1989), Cumhuriyete Kadar Türk Güreşi Cilt 2, Ankara: Kültür Bakanlığı
Yayınları, Kültür Eserleri Dizisi 133, 221 S.
Temizoülu, Kemal, Ata Sporu Yağlı Güreş ve Kırkpınar, Gelensel Kaideleri Oyun Tekniği,
Tarihçe ve Resimleriyle, İstanbul: Mehmet Tunagür Yayınevi, 95 S.
Yağ, Ali (Kırkpınar Ağası) (1983), Türklerde Spor Geleneği ve Kırkpınar Güreşleri, İstanbul:
Divan Yayınları, 192 S.
Köse, Murat (1990), Edirne – Kırkpınar ve Yağlı Güreş, Polat Ofset, 160 S.
Özendes, Engin (1999), Osmanlının İkinci Başkenti Edirne, Geçmişten Fotoğraflar, Yap –
Endüstri Merkezi Yayınları, İstanbul, 178 S.
Edirne Belediyesi (1987), Edirne Kenti, İki Nokta Araştırma Basın Yayın Organizasyon, Edirne,
63 S. + Harita
Bumin, Kurşat – Arıkan, Prof.Dr. Zeki – Nutku, Prof.Dr. Özdemir – Ünal, Prof.Dr. Rahmi (1993),
Edirne, T.C. Ministry of Culture Directorate of Publications, Ankara, 160 S.
(1967), Edirne İl Yıllığı 1967, 210 S.
http://www.kirkpinar.com
RL10 – No. 00386 – page 12
http://www.tgf.gov.tr/article.php?article_id=3154
http://www.edirnekirkpinar.com/
http://www.edirne.gov.tr/
http://www.edirneint.bel.tr/index.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/eden/themesdestinations/
countries/turkey/edirne/index_en.htm
CONTACT INFORMATION
a. Contact person for correspondence
Dr. Şengül GİTMEZ
Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı, Araştırma ve Eğitim Genel Müdürlüğü, Halk Kültürünü Araştırma
Dairesi Başkanlığı İsmet İnönü Bulvarı, No:5 Kat:10 Emek/ANKARA
Tel: +90 312 212 8389
Fax:+90 312 2213320
e-mail: sengulgitmez@hotmail.com
b. Competent body involved
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Directorate General of Research and Training
İnönü Bulvarı No:5 Kat: 9-10 06100 Emek / Ankara- TÜRKİYE
e-posta: arastirmaegitim@kulturturizm.gov.tr, aregem@kulturturizm.gov.tr
Web: www.aregem.kulturturizm.gov.tr
c. Concerned community organization(s) or representative(s)
1. Bodies and Institutions responsible
SERMİN YALÇIN
Edirne Kültürünü ve El Sanatlarını Tanıtma Derneği
papatya_elsanatları@hotmail.com
1. Murat Mah.Çetin Emeç Cad. Belediye Lojmanları A Blok D:2
HASAN KARAKAYA
Müze Müdürü
karakayahasan@yahoo.com
Edirne Müzesi Müdürlüğü
MEHMET AĞIRGAN
Yerel Tarih grubu
info@ozanagaci.com
P.K. 100 Edirne
AHMET YAVUZ
Trakya Birlik Genel Müdürlüğü
Edirne
SEZGİN GELDİ
Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü
RL10 – No. 00386 – page 13
sezgingeldi@gmail.com
Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü
MESUDE ŞENOL
Edirne Belediyesi AB ve Ulusal İlişkiler Bürosu
mesude-senol@yahoo.com
Mimar Sinan Cad. No:1 Edirne
M.ALİ KÖRÜKLÜ
Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı Roman Halk Müziği Başkanlığı
Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü
RAFET TEMEL
Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü
rafettugay@hotmail.com
Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü
İRFAN ÖZCAN
Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü
irfanozcan@hotmail.com
Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü
NİHAT GÜZELHARCAN
Edirne Belediye Başkanlığı
nguzelharcan@hotmail.com
Edirne Belediye Başkanlığı
HASAN ADLI
Emekli Müzik Öğretmeni
Edirne Folklor Eğitim Merkezi G.S.K.
SALİH ŞENOL
Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü
senolsalih@yahoo.com
Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü
BİROL ÇAKAN
Edirne Gazetesi
birolcakan@hotmail.com
Edirne Gazetesi PTT Arkası
ORHAN TAŞKIRAN
Gündem Gazetesi
basak-ac@hotmail.com
Alipaşa Arkası
FARİS ZURNACI
Edirne Kırkpınar Müzisyenler Derneği
0542 797 8021
GÜNAY ZURNA
Edirne Tarihi Kırkpınar Davul Zurna Ekibi
0542 505 7003
Emirli Aralık Sok. No:24/4
The updated information as regards to the addresses of Kırkpınar Ağas, Pehlivans and Cazgırs
RL10 – No. 00386 – page 14
is accessible in Edirne Municipality.
2- Kırkpınar Agas of the Last 20 Years
Kemal Özkan (1989)
Murat Köse (1990)
Alper Yazoğlu (1991-92-93)
Oğuzhan Bilgin (1994)
Hüseyin Şahin (1995-96-97-98)
Ayhan Sezer (1999)
Emin Doğansoy (2000)
Murat Saruhan (2001)
Mehmet Sait Yavuz (2002)
Necdet Çakır (2003)
Mustafa Altunhan (2004)
Adem Tüysüz (2005-06-07)
Mehmet Cadıl (2008)
Seyfettin Selim (2009-10)
3- Kırkpınar Cazgırs
Mehmet Tura (2009)
Şükrü Kayabaş (2009)
Bayram Ali Dede (2009)
Erkan Kabasakal (2009)
4- Kırkpınar chief pehlivans of the Last 20 Years
Balıkesirli Saffet Kayalı (1989)
Karamürselli Ahmet Taşçı (1990-91-92-93 Altın Kemer)
Antalyalı Cengiz Elbeye (1994)
Karamürselli Ahmet Taşçı (1995-96-97 Altın Kemer)
Antalyalı Cengiz Elbeye (1998)
Karamürselli Ahmet Taşçı (1999-00)
Ankaralı Vedat Ergin (2001)
Hasan Tuna (2002)
Kenan Şimşek (2003)
Recep Kara (2004)
Şaban Yılmaz (2005)
Osman Aynur (2006)
Recep Kara (2007)
Recep Kara (2008)
Mehmet Yeşilyeşil (2009)
RL10 – No. 00386 – page 15
SIGNATURE ON BEHALF OF THE STATE PARTY
Name: Mahmut Evkuran
Title: Director General of Research and Training (Ministry of Culture and Tourism)
Date: 11 January 2010
Signature:
