Başpehlivan Orhan Okulu claimed victory at the Yağlı Güreş Cumhurbaşkanlığı Kupası after defeating Mustafa Taş in the final match held at the Atatürk Havalimanı Millet Bahçesi, according to official reports released on September 26, 2026. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the event, which marked the revival of the traditional tournament after a 57-year hiatus, and later shared a congratulatory message celebrating the athletes keeping the heritage sport alive.
President Erdoğan Attends the Final Match at Atatürk Havalimanı Millet Bahçesi
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived at the Atatürk Havalimanı Millet Bahçesi following his schedule at the Istanbul Fuar Merkezi, where he attended the 21st MÜSİAD EXPO International Trade Fair and 29th International Business Forum Closing Program, as reported by iletisim.gov.tr. Upon entering the grounds, Erdoğan was greeted by Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak and Türkiye Geleneksel Güreşler Federasyonu (TGGF) President İbrahim Türkiş. During the welcome, Minister Bak and Federation President Türkiş presented a gold belt to President Erdoğan to commemorate the day. Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, World Ethnosport Confederation President Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, and AK Parti Istanbul Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir also joined the leadership in watching the tournament.
Orhan Okulu Wins the Başpehlivan Title Over Mustafa Taş
The final bout for the başpehlivan title featured a match between Başpehlivan Mustafa Taş and Başpehlivan Orhan Okulu without a point-scoring system, delivering high tension to the er meydanı. Orhan Okulu overcame Mustafa Taş to secure the Yağlı Güreş Cumhurbaşkanlığı Kupası, leaving Taş to finish the competition in second place. Following the conclusion of the matches, President Erdoğan published a social media statement declaring, “I wish that the Oil Wrestling Presidency Cup, held for the first time after a 57-year hiatus, will bring goodness. I congratulate Orhan Okulu, who won the cup, especially, as well as the second-place finisher Mustafa Taş and all our wrestlers who sweated in the er meydanı.”
Special Encounter With 11-Year-Old Pehlivan Osman Ali Davutoğlu
During the event, President Erdoğan met 11-year-old Osman Ali Davutoğlu, who traveled from Balıkesir to Istanbul as a special guest of the Türkiye Geleneksel Güreşler Federasyonu. Born in Tanzania and orphaned at an early age, Davutoğlu was adopted at age 3.5 by Turkish diplomat Ali Davutoğlu and his wife Yeşim Meço Davutoğlu. President Erdoğan conversed with the young wrestler and posed for commemorative photographs before leaving the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Yağlı Güreş Cumhurbaşkanlığı Kupası final?
Orhan Okulu won the final match against Mustafa Taş to claim the championship title.
Where was the tournament held?
The event took place at the Atatürk Havalimanı Millet Bahçesi in Istanbul.
Who presented the gold belt to President Erdoğan?
Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak and Türkiye Geleneksel Güreşler Federasyonu President İbrahim Türkiş presented the commemorative gold belt.