Selçuk Camel Wrestling

Camel wrestling is an Aegean winter custom with roots in the nomadic Turkic past, and the season runs from about November to March across dozens of towns, with Selçuk's meeting in January the largest and best known. Bull camels of the Tülü breed - crossbred for size - are brought in decorated blankets and bells, paraded through the town the day before, and then matched in pairs in an arena. The animals wrestle by pushing, leaning and trying to trip or pin one another; a bout ends when one retreats, falls, or screams, and it is stopped by handlers with ropes. Bouts are short. Around the arena is the real event for most attendees: families picnicking, grilled sausage, rakı and a great deal of noise. The practice is legally protected as cultural heritage and is also criticised by animal welfare organisations over the treatment of the camels and the risk of injury - both positions are argued publicly in Turkey, and a visitor can read the veterinary and welfare material and decide for themselves whether to attend.

The main sights

• The decorated camels - blankets, bells and the parade beforehand.
• The bouts - short pushing matches broken up by handlers.
• The picnic crowd - families, grills and rakı around the arena.
• The winter Aegean setting - the arena below Ayasuluk hill.

When to go

January for Selçuk, usually mid-month; the wider season runs November to March across the Aegean towns. Confirm dates locally, as they move.

Good to know

The animals are large and the arena can be chaotic; spectators sometimes have to move fast. Welfare concerns about the practice are real and publicly argued - read both sides rather than taking either at face value. It is loud, crowded and involves a lot of drinking.

Nearby

Ephesus, the Basilica of St John and Şirince are all within a few kilometres of Selçuk.