Turkey has a rich history of wrestling, with many of the best wrestlers in the world hailing from the country. From legendary names such as Mehmet Oğuz, to modern stars like Taha Akgül, the Turkish wrestling scene has long been a source of pride and admiration.
These wrestlers have made their mark in international competitions, displaying incredible skill and technique on the mat. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best wrestlers in Turkey, both past and present.
From world champions to Olympians, these athletes have set the standard for excellence in the sport.
1. Taha Akgül
Taha Akgül is an exceptionally accomplished freestyle wrestler. He is a triple world champion and a ten-time European champion. Notably, he won the gold medal in the 2016 Summer Olympics in the 125 kg division, cementing his position as one of the top wrestlers in the world.
He was also able to replicate his success four years later, winning the bronze medal in the 2020 Summer Olympics in the same weight class. His long list of accomplishments clearly demonstrates his prowess and skill in the sport.
2. Yasemin Adar
Yasemin Adar is a distinguished freestyle wrestler from Turkey who competes in the 76 kg division. She has achieved remarkable success in the sport, having won two world championships and six European championships.
Her greatest success came at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, where she won one of the bronze medals in the women’s 76 kg event. This impressive accomplishment is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.
Adar’s remarkable achievements demonstrate her ability to rise to the challenge and excel in the face of competition. She has set an example for aspiring wrestlers everywhere, inspiring them to push themselves to the limits in order to achieve their goals.
3. Kerem Kamal
Kerem Kamal is a Turkish wrestler who competes in the 60 kg division of Greco-Roman wrestling. He is a member of the İzmir BB GSK team, and he recently achieved great success at the 2022 European Wrestling Championships held in Budapest, Hungary.
Kamal won the gold medal in the 60 kg event, beating out many of the top wrestlers in Europe. This victory is a testament to Kamal’s commitment and hard work and is a huge accomplishment for both him and his team.
Kamal is now considered one of the top wrestlers in the 60 kg division and has established himself as an elite athlete. His success is sure to inspire many future wrestlers and to pave the way for a new generation of Turkish wrestlers.
4. Yaşar Doğu
Yaşar Doğu was a celebrated Turkish wrestler, who achieved impressive accomplishments in the world of Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling. He was of Circassian descent, which is an ethnic group in the Caucasus region of Eurasia.
Doğu won the world championship in both Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling and was also a two-time Olympic champion in these two disciplines.
His success in the world of wrestling inspired many other athletes of Circassian descent, showing them that they could achieve great things no matter their background. Doğu’s legacy continues to be remembered amongst the wrestling community in Turkey and beyond.
He was an inspirational figure and an example of what hard work and dedication can bring.
5. Kaya Özcan
Kaya Özcan is a Turkish wrestler who achieved success on the international stage. He competed at the 1968 Summer Olympics in the men’s Greco-Roman 57 kg division.
This event tested athletes’ strength and skill in one-on-one combat, with wrestlers using a variety of holds, throws, and other techniques to gain the upper hand.
Özcan’s performance at the Olympics was impressive, as he was able to compete against some of the world’s best athletes. Throughout his career, Özcan has earned numerous accolades and awards.
He won the National Championship of Turkey in 1965 and 1967, and he was the runner-up at the 1963 European Wrestling Championships.
He also competed at the 1966 European Championships, and placed third in both the 1966 and 1967 World Championships.Özcan’s success at the 1968 Olympics helped to put Turkish wrestling on the map, and sparked an interest in the sport in the country.
Since then, Turkish wrestlers have gone on to win numerous medals at international events, including the Olympics. Özcan’s legacy lives on, as he is still remembered as a great wrestler and a symbol of Turkish pride.
6. Hayrullah Şahinkaya
Hayrullah Şahinkaya is a Turkish wrestler who achieved international recognition for his accomplishments. He was born in Turkey and began his wrestling career at a young age, training hard to become one of the best wrestlers in the country.
At the 1960 Summer Olympics, he was selected to represent the Turkish national team and competed in the heavyweight division.
His performance at the Olympics was impressive, as he earned a bronze medal, making him the first Turkish wrestler to ever receive an Olympic medal. Four years later, at the 1964 Summer Olympics, Hayrullah Şahinkaya once again competed for the Turkish national team.
His success continued, as he earned another bronze medal, making him the first Turkish wrestler to ever win two Olympic medals. His accomplishments made him one of the most successful wrestlers in Turkish history and he was widely celebrated for his accomplishments.
7. Mithat Bayrak
Mithat Bayrak is an esteemed figure in the sports world. He was a Turkish sports wrestler and trainer who enjoyed a successful career.
He is most renowned for having won two consecutive gold medals in the Welterweight class of Men’s Greco-Roman Wrestling at the 1956 Olympics and 1960 Olympics.
This impressive feat is especially noteworthy as it was achieved in two different Olympic Games, making him one of the few athletes to accomplish such a feat. Bayrak’s career was marked by remarkable success.
He won numerous medals in the Welterweight class at various international competitions, including two silver medals at the 1955 World Championships and two bronze medals at the 1957 World Championships.
His Olympic success was the icing on the cake, cementing his status as one of the greatest Greco-Roman wrestlers of all time. Bayrak was not only a talented athlete but also an inspirational trainer.
After his retirement from competitive wrestling, he dedicated his time to mentoring young Turkish wrestlers, helping them to reach their potential. He became a respected figure in the sports community, and his legacy as a champion athlete and trainer continues to live on today.
8. Yaşar Erkan
Yaşar Erkan was a Turkish sports wrestler who made history for his country. He achieved the incredible feat of winning the first-ever Olympic gold medal for Turkey in the Featherweight class of Men’s Greco-Roman Wrestling.
This accomplishment earned him the title of being the first Olympic champion in Turkish history, a title which he holds to this day. Erkan’s success was a remarkable achievement, and it highlighted the incredible athletic talent that the country possesses.
He inspired a generation of young Turkish athletes, showing them that anything is possible if they work hard and set their minds to it.
Erkan’s success opened the door for other Turkish athletes to follow in his footsteps and strive for greatness. Erkan’s gold medal win was a historic moment for the country and it was celebrated with a great deal of pride and joy.
This victory was not only a personal victory for Erkan, but also a victory for the entire country, as it proved that Turkey could compete on the international stage and compete against the best in the world. Yaşar Erkan’s legacy is one of courage, determination, and hard work.
He showed that with the right attitude and dedication, anything is possible. Erkan’s story serves as a reminder that no matter the odds, there is always hope that greatness can be achieved.
He is an inspiration to all Turkish athletes and an example of what can be achieved when you set your mind to something.
9. Yakup Gör
Yakup Gör is a Turkish freestyle wrestler who competes in the 66 kg division. He is from Erzurum, a city in Eastern Turkey, and has been involved in wrestling since he was young.
Gör began his wrestling career at the city’s wrestling training center, where he was trained and coached by experienced wrestlers. He later joined İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi S.K., a well-known wrestling team in the country.
Gör has achieved great success in his career, winning a number of tournaments and medals. He is known for his technical skills, agility, and passion for the sport. He is a true champion and an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers from Turkey and around the world.
10. Mustafa Dağıstanlı
Mustafa Dağıstanlı was an accomplished Turkish wrestler, achieving success in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. He was especially successful in freestyle wrestling, winning gold medals at the 1956 and 1960 Olympics as well as the 1954, 1957, and 1959 world championships.
His success in Greco-Roman wrestling was also notable, as he earned a gold medal at the 1955 Mediterranean Games. In total, Mustafa Dağıstanlı earned an impressive six gold medals throughout his career.
Not only did Mustafa Dağıstanlı have a successful career in wrestling, but he also left a lasting impression on the sport and its fans. His enthusiasm, skill, and determination inspired other wrestlers to reach for their goals and strive for greatness.
He was a true pioneer in the sport and his legacy will live on for generations to come.
11. Soner Demirtaş
Soner Demirtaş is a highly accomplished Turkish freestyle wrestler who competes in the 74 kg weight division. He is a three-time European freestyle wrestling champion, having won the title in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
His career highlights include a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. He has been an integral member of the Ankara ASKI wrestling club since his competitive wrestling career began.
Demirtaş’s commitment and dedication to the sport are evident, as he continues to dominate the 74 kg weight division in Europe. He is a worthy role model for young wrestlers everywhere and continues to set a high bar for success and achievement.
12. Reşit Karabacak
Reşit Karabacak was a Turkish wrestler who made a name for himself in the world of sports. He was born in Turkey in 1961 and had a successful career as a wrestler. He was a part of the Turkish National Wrestling Team and competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics.
He won numerous national and international wrestling tournaments and won gold medals in the 1983 Mediterranean Games and the 1985 Balkan Championships. He was inducted into the Turkish Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1993 in recognition of his achievements in wrestling.
Reşit Karabacak was an inspiration for many young wrestlers in Turkey. He was respected for his hard work and dedication to wrestling, and his success in the Olympics was a source of pride for the Turkish nation.
His legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated in Turkey to this day.
13. Sümer Koçak
Sümer Koçak was a Turkish wrestler who was well-known for his achievements in two Olympic Games. He first represented his country in the 1984 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles.
Although he did not win a medal in this competition, he was still able to gain valuable experience in the international arena. Four years later, Sümer Koçak returned to the Olympics and participated in the 1988 Summer Olympics which were held in Seoul, South Korea.
This time, he was able to come away with a bronze medal in the freestyle wrestling event.
This win was a huge accomplishment for him and his country, as it was the first medal won by a Turkish wrestler in the Olympics. Sümer Koçak’s achievements in the Olympics were a great source of pride for the Turkish people.
He was praised for his dedication and hard work, and his success was celebrated by his fellow citizens.
His performance in the Olympics inspired many young people to pursue wrestling, and it also helped to increase the popularity of the sport in Turkey. Sümer Koçak’s accomplishments in the Olympics were a testament to his determination and perseverance.
He was a true champion, and his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of the Turkish people.
14. Elif Jale Yeşilırmak
Elif Jale Yeşilırmak is a former female wrestler who has a unique background. She was born Yulia Guramievna Rekvava in Russia, but she is now a Turkish citizen and the first female wrestler to represent Turkey at the Olympics.
Elif is a member of Trakya Birlikspor, a club in Turkey which is dedicated to the promotion of wrestling. Elif’s career began in her native Russia, where she was a successful wrestler at the junior level.
She won multiple regional and national titles, and she was also a member of the Russian National Wrestling Team.
After moving to Turkey, Elif continued to compete and won several national titles, as well as the European Under 23 Championship in 2014. Elif’s biggest achievement came in 2016 when she became the first female wrestler to represent Turkey at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Despite not winning a medal, Elif made history by being the first female wrestler to represent Turkey at the Olympics. Since the Olympics, Elif has continued to be a successful wrestler and has won several international medals.
She is also a member of the prestigious Trakya Birlikspor, a club in Turkey dedicated to the promotion of wrestling. Elif Jale Yeşilırmak is an inspiring figure who has broken boundaries in her sport.
Not only is she the first female wrestler to represent Turkey at the Olympics, but she has also achieved success at the highest level of international competition. She is a shining example of what an athlete can achieve with hard work and dedication.
15. Nurullah Hasan
Ali Nurullah Hasan was a well-known Turkish wrestler. He was known by his nickname, Filiz Nurullah Pehlivan, to the Turkish public, while he used the alias Hassan Nurullah for his professional wrestling career in Western Europe.
He was an imposing figure, standing 7’2″ tall and weighing 387 lbs. His tremendous size and strength allowed him to be successful in the wrestling ring.
He was a fan favorite in Turkey, and his success in Western Europe further cemented his reputation as one of the greats in the wrestling world. He was a master of many classic moves, including the buster suplex, which he used to great effect during his matches.
His skill and charisma made him a favorite among wrestlers and fans alike. Ali Nurullah Hasan was a true champion in the wrestling world who will never be forgotten.
16. Cenk İldem
Cenk İldem is a talented male wrestler from Turkey. He competes in the 96 kg division of the Greco-Roman style, which is a form of wrestling that involves grappling above the waist. İldem is a member of the İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi S.K.
sports club, where he is coached by his father, Hüseyin İldem. This unique situation gives İldem a special advantage, as he is able to receive the guidance and support of a trusted family member as he pursues his wrestling career.
Furthermore, Hüseyin İldem’s experience as a wrestler himself makes him an ideal coach for his son. He understands the nuances of the sport and knows how to prepare Cenk for competitions.
With the help of his father, Cenk İldem has achieved great success in the world of wrestling. He has won multiple medals and accolades and is a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
17. Selçuk Çebi
Selçuk Çebi is a Turkish wrestler who has won three world championships in Greco-Roman wrestling. He was born in Araklı and received his secondary education at İmam Hatip Lisesi. At the age of 12, his father encouraged him to start wrestling and he followed his father’s advice.
After completing his secondary education, he went on to study at Ondokuz Mayıs University. Çebi has since become a champion in Greco-Roman wrestling and is considered one of the best wrestlers in Turkey.
His success has been an inspiration to many young wrestlers in Turkey and beyond.
18. Hasan Güngör
Hasan Güngör was an incredibly accomplished wrestler and coach. He competed in the middleweight division and represented Turkey throughout his career.
He had a remarkable amount of success at the Olympic Games, winning a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics and a silver medal in the 1964 Olympics. In addition to his Olympic success, he earned multiple medals at the World, European and Balkan championships.
Hasan Güngör’s gold medal at the 1960 Olympics was especially impressive, as it was the first gold medal awarded to Turkey in wrestling. This feat solidified his place as one of the most successful wrestlers of his time.
He was also well known for his coaching skills, which he used to train a number of successful wrestlers. Throughout his career, Hasan Güngör was an inspiration to many.
His commitment to excellence and his ability to succeed in a variety of disciplines made him a true role model. He was a great example of what hard work and dedication can achieve, and his legacy will continue to inspire wrestlers for generations to come.
19. Mehmet Oktav
Mehmet Oktav was a Turkish sports wrestler who achieved great success in his career. He first started out as a football player in 1942, but soon realized his true passion lay in wrestling.
After making the switch, he worked hard to become an Olympic gold medalist for Turkey in the Featherweight class of Men’s Greco-Roman Wrestling in 1948. This was an impressive feat, and it showed his determination and dedication to the sport.
Oktav’s success story is inspiring to many aspiring wrestlers, as it shows that with hard work, anything is possible. He was able to take his talent and turn it into an Olympic gold medal.
It is also a reminder of how important it is to follow one’s true passion, no matter what obstacles stand in the way.
20. Ahmet Doğu
Ahmet Doğu is a Turkish wrestler who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics. He was part of the men’s freestyle 97 kg category, which is the middleweight class.
During the 2000 Summer Olympics, Ahmet Doğu was able to show off his skills and abilities as a wrestler and represent his country. He was one of many athletes who competed in the competition and wanted to bring home the gold medal.
Unfortunately, Ahmet Doğu did not win a medal at the Olympic Games. However, his participation in the competition was still a great achievement and was something to be proud of. He was able to show the world what he was capable of and that he was a capable athlete.
Even though he did not win a medal, his performance still proved to the world that the Turkish wrestling team was one of the best in the world.
21. Rıza Yıldırım
Rıza Yıldırım is a talented Turkish wrestler who is currently competing in the 97kg division of freestyle wrestling. He is a member of the Bursa Büyükşehir Belediyesi Spor Kulübü, a wrestling club located in Bursa, Turkey.
Yıldırım’s impressive career has included winning the gold medal in the 96 kg division at the 2013 Mediterranean Games in Mersin, Turkey. This achievement has earned him the title of European champion wrestler and is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his sport.
Yıldırım is an inspiration to wrestlers around the world, and his accomplishments are a source of pride for Turkey.
22. İsmail Güzel
İsmail Güzel is a professional wrestler from Turkey. He has had a long and successful career in the sport, having won multiple championships and awards.
He is a well-known figure in the wrestling community and is highly respected by his peers. Güzel started wrestling at the age of 15 and has since competed in many competitions around the world.
He is known for his strong grappling style and has won multiple national and international championships.
He is also a three-time European wrestling champion and has represented Turkey in multiple international tournaments. At the age of 34, Güzel is still competing at the highest level, having recently won the Turkish National Championship in 2020.
He is known for his hard work and dedication to the sport, and his achievements have made him an iconic figure in Turkish wrestling. Güzel is a role model for aspiring wrestlers in Turkey, and his success has inspired many young people to take up the sport.
He also regularly participates in charity events and is a strong advocate for the importance of health and fitness in wrestling. His success has been recognized by numerous organizations and he has been named a “Hero of the Sport” by the Turkish Wrestling Federation.
He is an inspiration to many and a testament to the hard work and dedication required to achieve success in the sport.
23. Rıza Kayaalp
Rıza Kayaalp is an impressive and accomplished Turkish wrestler who competes in the 130 kg division of Greco-Roman wrestling. His impressive record of success speaks to his dedication and skill, having been crowned as a five-time world champion and twelve-time European champion.
His accolades are not limited to just these titles, however, as he has also won a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics and bronze medals at the 2012 and 2020 Summer Olympics.
Rıza Kayaalp is a true celebrity within the world of wrestling, having achieved so much in his career. His success has been a major boost for the sport in Turkey and has inspired many other athletes to pursue their dreams of becoming a world champion.
24. Süleyman Atlı
Süleyman Atlı is a world-class freestyle wrestler from Turkey. He currently competes in the 61 kg division, which is a lightweight category. He is a member of Ankara ASKI, a professional wrestling organization based in the capital city of Turkey, Ankara.
Atlı has been a part of the organization since 2009 and has been actively competing since then. In his career, he has won multiple international tournaments, including the 2012 World Wrestling Championships.
He has also been a runner-up in the European Wrestling Championships and has won the Turkish Wrestling Championships multiple times.
Atlı is highly regarded as one of the best freestyle wrestlers in his weight category and continues to be a force to be reckoned with in international wrestling tournaments.
25. Ali Baba
Arteen Ekizian, better known by his professional wrestling ring name Ali Baba, was a renowned Armenian-American wrestler who had a successful career in the early part of the 20th century.
He was a World Heavyweight Champion, a title he held with pride, and was highly respected by his peers in the wrestling world. He was known for his strength and agility in the ring, as well as his ability to entertain the crowd with his stunts.
He was also known for his ability to adapt to any style of wrestling, making him a formidable opponent for any wrestler. His success in the wrestling world earned him a place in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 2005.
Ali Baba was born in Ottoman Armenia in the late 1800s, but he and his family emigrated to the United States when he was a child. Growing up in America, he developed a love for wrestling and eventually decided to pursue it professionally.
He began his career in the early 1900s and quickly rose to prominence in the wrestling world, becoming a household name. He was known for his impressive feats of strength, agility, and showmanship, and he was able to adapt to any style of wrestling.
This made him a formidable opponent for any wrestler. Despite his success in the ring, Ali Baba also made a name for himself as a humanitarian. He was known for his generosity, often donating his winnings to various charities and causes.
He also worked to foster greater understanding between Armenians and Americans, as well as helping to promote Armenian culture in the United States. The legacy of Ali Baba will continue to live on in the wrestling world.
He was a respected figure in the wrestling world for his impressive feats and showmanship, and he will always be remembered for his generosity and humanitarian efforts. His contributions to the wrestling world and to Armenian Americans will not be forgotten.
26. Emrah Ormanoğlu
Emrah Ormanoğlu is a Turkish freestyle wrestler who competes in the 61 kg division. He is a highly talented individual who has achieved many successes in the wrestling world.
He is a member of the Ankara ASKI club, which is an amateur wrestling club based in the capital of Turkey, Ankara. The club is dedicated to the development of amateur wrestlers and gives them the opportunity to compete at a professional level.
Ormanoğlu is an experienced wrestler who has been competing for many years. He has won several medals at the European and World Championships. In addition to his success in the ring, he is also a coach and mentor to younger wrestlers.
He is passionate about passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of wrestlers.
27. Evin Demirhan
Evin Demirhan Yavuz is an accomplished freestyle wrestler from Siirt city in Turkey. She competes in the 50 kg division and is a member of the Ankara EGO team. Yavuz has a strong background in wrestling, having been involved in the sport since she was a small child.
She has participated in numerous competitions throughout her career and is a highly regarded athlete in the region. Yavuz is a Kurdish woman and her success in the sport is an inspiration for many other female athletes from the same ethnic background.
She has a strong passion for the sport and works hard to achieve her goals. Yavuz is an example of how dedication and hard work can lead to success, and her achievements are an inspiration to many.
28. Bediha Gün
Bediha Gün is a Turkish freestyle wrestler who competes in the 55 kg weight division. She is a part of the Ankara Aski Sport Club and is also a student at the Kırkpınar Physical Education and Sports College of Trakya University.
Gün is a regular competitor in the 55 kg division of freestyle wrestling, and she has gained recognition in her sport for her technical abilities and determination.
She is well known for her impressive takedowns and counters, as well as her ability to maintain a strong defensive stance. Gün is an incredibly hard worker and is constantly looking for ways to improve her game.
She trains diligently and is often seen in practice, pushing herself to her limits. Additionally, Gün is a role model to aspiring wrestlers. She is an exemplary student and athlete, inspiring others with her determination and dedication to her craft.
29. Selim Yaşar
Koloi Mikailovich Kartoev, also known as Selim Yaşar or Zelimkhan Kartoev, is an incredibly accomplished freestyle wrestler. He was born in Ingushetia, Russia, but has since naturalized to become a Turkish citizen.
His career includes a variety of impressive achievements, such as being a Junior and Cadet World Champion. He was also a runner-up at the 2015 World Wrestling Championships and a bronze medalist at the 2014 World Wrestling Championships.
In addition, he has won the prestigious Wenceslas Ziolkowski Memorial XLIX. Kartoev’s impressive career is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport of freestyle wrestling.
30. Ahmet Bilek
Ahmet Bilek was an accomplished sports wrestler from Turkey. He was most renowned for his success in the flyweight class at the Olympics, where he won the gold medal in men’s freestyle wrestling at the 1960 games.
He was born in 1932 in the western Turkey town of Kula in Manisa Province. Bilek was a talented athlete and a dedicated trainer, which contributed to his Olympic success.
He was widely regarded as an inspirational figure in the wrestling world, and his accomplishments have been celebrated throughout Turkey.
He was known for his courage and determination and was an excellent role model for aspiring wrestlers. Bilek’s legacy is one of the most celebrated in the history of Turkish sports.
He was the first Turkish wrestler to win an Olympic gold medal, and his achievement is still seen as a major achievement for the country.
He is remembered for his hard work and dedication, which enabled him to reach the highest levels of competition. Bilek was an important figure in Turkish sports history. He inspired generations of wrestlers, and his influence can still be seen today.
He was a true champion, and his legacy will continue to be remembered and celebrated for many years to come.
31. Yaşar Yılmaz
Yaşar Yılmaz was a renowned Turkish Olympian wrestler in the Bantamweight and Featherweight division of Men’s Greco-Roman style. He was a highly accomplished athlete, having won several accolades and medals throughout his career.
Notably, he won three times the silver medal at the FILA Wrestling World Championships in 1955, 1958, and 1962. Yılmaz was a highly respected athlete in the wrestling community and was well-known for his agility, strength, and technique.
He was a great inspiration to many aspiring wrestlers and his achievements are a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
32. Fatih Çakıroğlu
Fatih Çakıroğlu is an accomplished freestyle wrestler from Turkey who is currently competing in the 125 kg division. He is a European champion and has achieved great success in the sport.
Çakıroğlu is also a well-educated individual, having graduated from the Ondokuz Mayıs University in Samsun with a degree in Physical Education and Sports.
His education has allowed him to take his wrestling career to the next level, as he is able to understand and apply the principles of physical education and sports to his own training and development.
He is an excellent example of how education and physical activity can be combined to achieve success.
33. Zaza Enden
Zaza Enden is a unique athlete who has succeeded in two sports professionally. He is a professional wrestler and a professional basketball player. Enden is of Georgian descent and stands at an impressive 2.06 meters tall, weighing in at 116 kilograms.
He has earned the nickname ‘Tatu’ due to his size and strength. Enden plays at the power forward position in basketball. He moved to Turkey in 1992 and has since become a Turkish citizen. He first moved to Trabzon and then eventually obtained his Turkish citizenship.
Enden is an incredibly accomplished athlete who continues to amaze fans with his skill and strength.
34. Ahmet Peker
Ahmet Peker is a highly successful Turkish sport wrestler who competes in the 55 kg division of Freestyle wrestling. He stands at 1.62 meters tall and is a member of the Bursa Büyükşehir Belediyespor Club in Bursa. He is currently coached by İsmail Faikoğlu.
In 2009, Ahmet’s impressive record earned him an accolade from FILA (Fédération Internationale des Luttes Associées), where he was named the Best Junior Wrestler in the world.
This recognition was given to him in recognition of his achievement in winning the most world championships that year. Ahmet’s dedication to his sport has helped him become an internationally renowned athlete and an inspiration to many aspiring wrestlers.
35. Seref Tufenk
Şeref Tüfenk is a successful Turkish amateur Greco-Roman wrestler. He competes in the men’s middleweight category and has achieved great success in his career. He is an Olympian, having competed in the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics.
In addition, he won a silver medal at the 2008 European Wrestling Championships in Tampere, Finland for the 74 kg division. Tüfenk has also put great emphasis on his education, and studied at Ondokuz Mayıs University.
During his studies, he was able to balance his athletic training and his academic pursuits, making him a well-rounded individual. This dedication to both education and athletics is admirable and is a testament to his hard work and determination.
36. Tevfik Kış
Tevfik Kış was a prominent figure in the world of wrestling. He was a Turkish athlete who achieved great success at the European, World and Olympic level in the Light heavyweight class. He was also a successful wrestling trainer.
Kış was born in 1934 in the village of Pelitçik in Kargı district of the Çorum Province. He began his wrestling career in 1956. He went on to achieve remarkable success, winning the gold medal in the men’s Greco-Roman wrestling event at the 1960 Olympics.
Kış’s success was a huge achievement, not only for himself but also for his country. He was a source of pride and inspiration for Turkey, as he showed what could be achieved through hard work and dedication.
He was an example of what could be accomplished in the world of wrestling, and his achievements will always be remembered.
37. Bayram Şit
Bayram Şit was a Turkish featherweight freestyle wrestler and coach who had a successful career in international competitions. He competed in the Olympic Games in 1952 and 1956, achieving his greatest success in 1952 when he won a gold medal.
At the 1956 Olympics, he placed fourth overall. In addition to his Olympic success, Şit also won a silver medal at the 1954 World Championships. During his career, he was recognized as being a highly skilled wrestler and a talented coach.
He was respected throughout the wrestling community for his achievements and his dedication to the sport.
38. Yekta Yılmaz Gül
Yekta Yılmaz Gül is a Turkish professional Greco-Roman wrestler who competes in the 120 kg division. He is a member of the İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi S.K. and studied at Niğde University.
Gül has competed in numerous competitions, including the 2004 Summer Olympics in the Greco-Roman 120 kg event, where he placed 13th overall. Gül is a highly accomplished athlete, and his success in the Greco-Roman wrestling division is a testament to his dedication and hard work.
He has been able to reach the pinnacle of his sport, competing at the highest level and achieving impressive results in the process.
He was able to show off his skills on the world’s biggest stage, the Olympics, and although he didn’t medal, he still produced a strong performance and demonstrated his skill in the Greco-Roman discipline. Gül’s story is inspiring to aspiring wrestlers and athletes alike.
His ability to achieve success at the highest level serves as a reminder of the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the world of professional sports.
His determination and dedication to his sport have allowed him to reach his goals, and his success is something that everyone can aspire to.
39. Kızılcıklı Mahmut
Kızılcıklı Mahmut Pehlivan was a renowned Turkish wrestler. He gained international attention in 1908 when he defeated the American wrestler Tom Jenkins during a North American tour.
His fame was further solidified in 1909 when he faced off against the German-American wrestler Frank Gotch. Unfortunately, Pehlivan was unable to defeat Gotch, and his North American tour ended in a loss.
Despite this defeat, Pehlivan was remembered for his strength and skill as a wrestler, and he remains one of the most well-known Turkish wrestlers in history.
40. Yusuf İsmail
Yusuf İsmail, also known as Youssouf Ishmaelo, was a prominent figure in professional wrestling during the end of the 19th century. Born in Turkey, he competed in Europe and the United States under the name Yusuf Ismail the Terrible Turk.
During his career, Ismail became well-known for his remarkable strength and agility in the ring. Back home in Turkey, Ismail was known by his birth name, Şumnulu Yusuf Pehlivan.
He was an iconic figure in his native country, admired for his prowess in the ring and as a symbol of Turkish heroism. Ismail was a crowd favorite wherever he went and his legacy has lived on through his achievements in the ring.
Conclusion
Overall, the best wrestling players in Turkey are some of the best in the world. They have achieved world titles and Olympic medals, and continue to be a major force in the sport.
Their commitment to training, dedication to excellence, and willingness to push themselves to the limit have made them a source of national pride. Whether at the international level or at home, they are a great example of what Turkish athletes can achieve.
