Oil Wrestlers

Oil wrestling, performed by Pehlivans, originated in Iran. It spread to Northern India, Pakistan, Turkey, and in the Balkan - especially to Macedonia and adjoining areas. In Iran and Turkey, it is a national sport. In the Balkans, the tournaments mostly happen in remote villages at irregular times.
The Pehlivans, who wear heavy leather breeches gathered in at the knee, smear themselves with oil. The champions are models of male virtues like strength, stamina and honor within their communities. Their ideal diet is four kilos of meat and half a kilo of honey a day.