Traditional “Karakucak” Wrestling and Its Applications in Turkey

Abstract

Wrestling is one of the most important sports branches that are loved and widely practised by the old and new Turkish peoples. We have seen that various types of wrestling throughout history are still alive today. “Karakucak” wrestling, which is one of these wrestling styles, is lean wrestling peculiar to Turks of Oghuz origin. It is the oldest Turkish wrestling in Anatolia. This type of wrestling, which had the opportunity to offer modern free wrestling infrastructure until about 30 years ago, has been endangered with the effect of globalization, like many traditional structures. While “Karakucak” wrestling was encountered in almost all of the festivities, weddings and festivals that were previously organized, today it is, unfortunately, losing its popularity and continues to exist with the efforts of those who love this sport. “Karakucak” wrestling is one of the cultural elements of Turkish society and in this sense, it is necessary to protect and structure of “Karakucak” wrestling like many traditional structures to maintain the social culture. Wrestling, which is as old as human history, is one of the best examples of the struggle of two creatures. (Arslan, 1984: 4; Türkmen et al., 2006: 79). Wrestling is a combat sport that has always existed as a part of the daily life of the people who progressed with the development of civilization that started with the existence of human communities in the world (Bulut, 1996: 52).