Quick answer
The Kırkpınar başpehlivan is the wrestler who wins the top "baş" category and earns the golden belt (altın kemer). If the same wrestler wins three years in a row, the golden belt becomes his permanently. Wrestlers advance through a rank system from minik to deste, başaltı and finally baş.
How is the head wrestler decided?
At Kırkpınar wrestlers are grouped into ranks by age and experience: from the smallest minik categories up through deste, then başaltı, and at the top the baş category. Each rank has its own champion, but the real title is won in the top baş category.
The wrestler who wins the baş final is declared that year's başpehlivan (head wrestler). This title is considered one of the most respected achievements in Turkish wrestling, and the wrestler's name enters Kırkpınar history.
The golden belt tradition
The head wrestler is rewarded with the golden belt. By tradition, if a wrestler wins the golden belt three years in a row it is given to him permanently. For this reason three consecutive victories is remembered as a legendary feat in the wrestling world.
The golden belt is not just a prize but a centuries-old symbol of honor and mastery. Champion wrestlers are welcomed with great enthusiasm by the people of Edirne.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the head wrestler title won?+
The wrestler who wins the final in the top baş category becomes that year's head wrestler and receives the golden belt.
How does the golden belt become permanent?+
If a wrestler wins the golden belt three consecutive years, by tradition the belt is given to him permanently.
Updated: June 2026
