Everybody’s Gökbel Festival: Where Tradition Meets Community Spirit

Every summer, the high plateau of Gökbel near Alanya comes alive with one of Turkey’s most beloved cultural events: the Gökbel Oil Wrestling Festival, locally known as Yağlı Pehlivan Güreşleri. In 2025, this festival has been reborn with a new spirit and energy—under the inclusive theme “Everybody’s Gökbeli”—and is bigger than ever.

📅 Festival Date & Theme

From July 31 to August 3, 2025, the 19th edition of the festival unfolds over four days for the very first time, welcoming visitors from all walks of life under the banner of unity and tradition.

More Than Wrestling: A Diverse Celebration

Traditionally centered around the iconic oil wrestling matches, this year’s festival goes well beyond sport. Alongside the returning er meydanı (wrestling arena), organizers have introduced:

• Women’s football and volleyball tournaments, bringing athletes of all genders into the spotlight

• Archery, horseback riding, table tennis, off-road driving, a night cinema screening, and a children’s adventure park

• A total of eight women’s sport teams invited to participate

Infrastructure with Respect for Nature

The Alanya Municipality has carefully upgraded the festival area: new access paths and minimal permanent structures like eco‑friendly restroom blocks preserve the plateau’s natural beauty. No major construction intrudes on the landscape.

Delicate Decisions: Embracing Tradition, Cancelling Concerts

While the wrestling, sports, and cultural events proceed as planned, all concerts and entertainment shows have been canceled. These decisions were made in the context of recent local concerns and to maintain community sensitivity.

Mayor Osman Tarık Özçelik emphasized the priority: “We chose to uphold tradition rather than entertainment.” The cancellation drew mixed reactions—some political groups expressed disappointment, while others supported a return to cultural roots.

Why You Should Visit Gökbel This Year

1. An expanded event schedule over four days means more time to enjoy the festival.

2. A broader community experience: women and children now play prominent roles, breaking with past traditions.

3. Sport and culture under one roof: traditional wrestling sits alongside modern, family-friendly activities.

4. Conscious preservation: minimal infrastructure and commitment to nature ensure the plateau stays pristine.

5. A balanced tone—by focusing on tradition and local values, the festival remains meaningful and respectful of all perspectives.

Final Thoughts

“Herkesin Gökbeli” is more than a wrestling festival—it’s a vivid testament to Alanya’s cultural heritage and evolving social consciousness. It presents a unique opportunity for families, sports enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and nature lovers to come together in the highlands of Gökbel.

📌 Visit Details

Dates: July 31–August 3, 2025
Location: Gökbel Plateau, Alanya
Highlights:

• Traditional oil wrestling tournaments

• Women’s football and volleyball contests

• Family‑focused outdoor events: equestrian, archery, cinematic, off‑road, tabletop sports

• A festival grounded in tradition and ecological harmony

Whether you’re coming from Alanya or beyond, make sure to experience this summer festival, where tradition thrives and everyone is invited.