Traditional Kumluca Camel Wrestling is held in the Kumluca district of Antalya. It is held at the Kumluca Municipality Karatepe Stadium.
Camel wrestling is one of the oldest cultural traditions of the region. It is not known precisely. It is thought to have been made since caravanism and nomadism were common. Wrestling has its own rules and is an inseparable part of the district's identity today. Every year, hundreds of camels from different parts of the country participate in the Traditional Kumluca Camel Wrestling. It is organized to keep alive, preserve and transfer the Yörük culture, traditions and customs that dominate the region to future generations.
In which not all camels can compete, wrestling is held between female dromedary camels and male camels called 'Tülü', which are born from the mating of dromedary male camels. These camels, whose ancestors are also Tülü, are descended from and are bred as wrestling camels.
The wrestling was quite competitive. The camels fight fiercely. Sometimes, owners have trouble separating entangled animals. Wrestling is watched with excitement and curiosity by the audience. It not only brings excitement to the district's social life but also contributes to the alternative tourism of the district, thanks to the local and foreign tourists. They come to watch this entertaining event.
Camel wrestling is a traditional sport and is a form of sport and entertainment that adds vitality to the economic life of the district. With the income obtained from wrestling, support is given to constructing social structures such as schools, retirement homes, student dormitories, mosques, waterways, village rooms, and fountains.
