Mehmet the Wrestler

Kurtdereli Mehmet Pehlivan

13+

During the Russo-Turkish War, Kurtdereli Mehmet immigrated from Bulgaria with his family and settled in the village of Kurtdere in Balıkesir in Western Türkiye. Despite his father's disapproval, he spent his childhood and youth dedicated to wrestling. His talent quickly caught the eye, leading him to receive formal wrestling training and even an invitation to the palace. Kurtdereli went on to win the World Championship in Europe and earned the admiration of Gazi Mustafa Kemal during the later years of his life.