Aba Guresi Rules (Aba Wrestling)

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Aba Guresi (Aba Wrestling) is a traditional Turkish oil wrestling sport that has been practiced for centuries, particularly in regions like Gaziantep. It is recognized as one of Turkey’s oldest wrestling styles and is distinct from Yağlı Güreş (Oil Wrestling) in terms of attire and rules.

Aba Guresi is one of Turkeys oldest wrestling traditions, with roots tracing back over 1,000 years. It originated among Turkic tribes of Central Asia and evolved in Anatolia, particularly in Gaziantep and South-eastern Turkey. This style of wrestling was an important part of Turkish military training, cultural rituals, and sports competitions throughout history.

Origins and Development

  • Pre-Islamic Turkic Influence: Aba Guresi has strong connections to the traditional wrestling styles of Central Asian Turkic warriors, who practiced grappling-based combat sports for both entertainment and combat training.
  • Seljuk and Ottoman Periods: When the Seljuks and later the Ottomans ruled Anatolia, wrestling gained prestige, and different regions developed their own variations. While Aba Guresi (Oil Wrestling) became popular in western Turkey, Aba Guresi remained dominant in south-eastern regions like Gaziantep, Kahramanmaraş, and Şanlıurfa.
  • Village and Festival Competitions: For centuries, Aba Wrestling was a highlight of village festivals, where local champions would compete in front of large crowds. Winning wrestlers earned great respect and sometimes received livestock or gold as rewards.

Decline and Revival

  • In the mid-20th century, as modern sports gained popularity, traditional wrestling styles like Aba Güreşi saw a decline.
  • However, in recent decades, there has been a strong revival effort, led by Turkish cultural organizations and local governments.
  • Today, annual Aba Güreşi tournaments are held in cities like Gaziantep, and the sport is recognized as an important intangible cultural heritage of Turkey.

Rules of Aba Guresi

  1. Attire: Wrestlers wear a thick, short-sleeved coat called an “aba”, which gives the sport its name. They also wear a type of special belt and trousers.
  2. No Oil: Unlike Yağlı Güreş, wrestlers do not use oil on their bodies. This makes gripping easier.
  3. Objective: The goal is to throw the opponent to the ground with a clean technique. A successful throw where the opponent’s back or shoulders touch the ground results in a win.
  4. Match Duration: Matches usually last a few minutes, but the exact duration can vary based on the competition rules.
  5. Techniques: Wrestlers use a mix of grappling, throws, and leg trips to overpower their opponents.
  6. Scoring: The match can be won by a single decisive throw or by accumulating points for successful takedowns.
  7. Weight Categories: Similar to modern wrestling, competitors are divided into weight classes.
  8. Cultural Element: Aba Güreşi is often performed at festivals and traditional gatherings, accompanied by music and celebrations.