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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir

The 43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival took place in İzmir's Selçuk district, drawing 120 camels from across Turkey. Despite the cold, large crowds enjoyed the matches, local products, and folk music performances at the event, which celebrated the tradition of camel wrestling.

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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir

The Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival, known as the "Kırkpınar of Camel Wrestling," was held for the 43rd time in the Selçuk district of İzmir.

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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir

With the support of the Selçuk Municipality, the event was organized by the Selçuk Efes Culture and Tourism Foundation at the Pamucak Wrestling Arena.

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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir

A total of 120 camels from the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Marmara regions participated.

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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir

Despite the cold weather, camel wrestling enthusiasts filled the surrounding hills from early in the morning.

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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir

İzmir Metropolitan Mayor Cemil Tugay and Selçuk Mayor Filiz Ceritoğlu Sengel greeted the citizens attending the event. Tugay expressed his happiness about the tradition of camel wrestling being kept alive.

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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir

Before the matches, a moment of silence was observed, the National Anthem was sung, and prayers were made.

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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir

Camels, led by their owners, paraded in the area before engaging in matches.

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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir

The crowd was energized by the chants of the announcer, and some citizens accompanied the folk songs played with drums and pipes.

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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir

Stalls were set up selling camel sausages, local agricultural products, and handicrafts.

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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir

Spectators also enjoyed picnicking during the event.

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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir
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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir
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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir
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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir
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43rd Efes Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival draws crowds in İzmir