Camel wrestling in Selcuk 2027: Dates (Jan 17) and Fares

When is Camel wrestling in Selcuk 2027?

Camel wrestling in Selcuk 2027 is expected to run on Sunday, January 17, 2027. The dates follow the usual pattern and are not announced yet. The big day is Wrestling, Sunday, January 17, 2027.

2027Sunday, January 17, 2027Expected

How the dates are set: Third Sunday of January.

See every event in January 2027

Camel wrestling in Selcuk schedule

Saturday (the day before): A parade runs through the town of Selcuk, with the camels dressed in their finery. Bands roam the town center playing zurna, clarinet and davul (drum) into the evening.
Sunday: The championship is held in an ancient stadium at Ephesus, 6 kilometers from the town of Selcuk, on the third Sunday of January. Arrive early for a good ringside seat; thousands more watch from the surrounding hills.

Source: decktheholidays.blogspot.com

Getting to Camel wrestling in Selcuk

The wrestling arena at Ephesus is 6 kilometers from the town of Selcuk.

Source: decktheholidays.blogspot.com

History of Camel wrestling in Selcuk

Camel wrestling is thought to have been first organized for entertainment among the Yörük tribes, who lived in caravans, and later became a traditional sport with set rules. The wrestling camels are tülü camels, born from a single-humped female and a double-humped male, and are bred with special care. The wrestling season runs from December to March in district centers and villages around Izmir.

Source: izmir.ktb.gov.tr

Camel wrestling in Selcuk: questions people ask

Where is the Selcuk camel wrestling held?

At an arena at Ephesus, 6 kilometers from the town of Selcuk, in Izmir province.

How does a camel win a wrestling match?

By making the other camel retreat, scream or fall. An owner can also throw a rope into the field to forfeit if he fears for his animal.

How many camels take part in the Selcuk festival?

In 2022 the 40th festival had 152 camels.

Do the camels get hurt in camel wrestling?

In 2022 the camels wore muzzles to prevent bite wounds, and personnel were on hand to separate them. Animal rights activists have criticized the festival, saying the camels are abused and injured.

Is there camel wrestling anywhere else near Izmir?

Yes. During the December to March season it is also held in district centers and villages such as Odemis, Tire, Kemalpasa, Torbali, Dikili and Menemen.

Sources: decktheholidays.blogspot.com, en.philenews.com, izmir.ktb.gov.tr

About Camel wrestling in Selcuk

Enormous decorated camels lock necks in a centuries old winter wrestling contest

Every January the Aegean town of Selcuk hosts Turkey's largest camel wrestling festival, where bull camels dressed in elaborate saddles and pom poms are paired off to push and shove rather than bite. The main matches usually fall in mid to late January but the wider regional wrestling season runs into February with smaller town festivals along the coast. It draws a mostly local crowd with brass bands, roasting chestnuts, and a genuinely festive, slightly chaotic atmosphere.

Know before you go

the exact date is announced by local municipalities each year, usually a few months ahead
combine with a visit to nearby Ephesus since it is a short drive away
Izmir Adnan Menderes airport is about an hour's drive from Selcuk.

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