Pahlavan wrestling
The national wrestling of Azerbaijan, fought to the sound of zurna and drum.
Names among the peoples
- pelivan güreşi (Balkan Turks)
About
Pehlevan wrestling (gulesh) is the national wrestling of Azerbaijan. Before a bout the wrestlers perform the traditional ritual called "meydan gezmek": they greet each other, walk to opposite sides of the mat with dance steps and make movements with their arms. The bout is fought to the sound of the zurna and the drum.
Holds on the legs and the trousers are allowed, as are trips, hooks, the "mill" and throws. The holds still carry their old names, such as "ayaqchaldi", "qurdqapani", "tulkuquyrughu", "topuqqapma" and "chengel". Holding the throat, blows below the belt and twisting arms, legs or fingers are forbidden.
Before the revolution wrestling was held in villages at harvest time, on the threshing floors and without a mat. Since 1937 district, city and republic championships in national wrestling have been held in Azerbaijan. Among the Balkan Turks pehlivan (pelivan) wrestling is held together with horse races.
The national championship in national wrestling is held by the Ministry of Youth and Sports together with the Azerbaijan National Sports Association. The 2025 championship took place on 16 November at the Absheron Olympic Sports Complex, for teenagers and adults, with wrestlers from the clubs, societies and sports bodies of Baku and the regions. Its purpose is to settle the make-up of the national team for the coming year and to promote national wrestling.
Peoples
Research: Vasif Namazov, Turan Games Concept
