Gökbel Festival begins! No toilet problems, cinema included

Gökbel Festival Begins with the Motto “Gökbel for Everyone”

This year, the 19th Gökbel Traditional Oil Wrestling and Festival will take place between July 31 and August 3 under the theme "Gökbel for Everyone," promising many firsts. Alanya Mayor Osman Tarık Özçelik announced that preparations are complete and invited the public to the renewed Gökbel Plateau.

Gökbel, one of Alanya’s most prestigious national and international events, will be held over four days for the first time. Major renovations have taken place, including new roads and restructured zones for parking, tents, caravans, markets, food & drink, event stages, sports competitions, and wrestling.

Water, sanitation, and lighting problems have been solved. A water supply was found via drilling, new modern toilets were built—also accessible to disabled individuals—and comprehensive lighting systems were installed for safety.

For the first time, the festival features more sports: football and volleyball matches, women's football games, mixed friendly matches with local expats, table tennis, horseback riding, and archery.

Security forces will be on duty 24/7 during the event. Fireworks, weapons, and loud music after 2:00 a.m. are strictly prohibited. Municipal Help Desks will be active at two points for complaints, lost children, and guidance.

Children will enjoy dedicated activity areas, including coloring, face painting, rhythm workshops, clowns, origami, mask-making, and traditional Yoruk games. On August 1 and 3, family-friendly competitions will also be held.

An open-air cinema will entertain guests on July 31, August 1, and 2. The off-road vehicle show will now take place in a safer, expanded area with a more action-packed track.

On August 3, 631 wrestlers will compete in the traditional oil wrestling matches, including 54 elite head wrestlers known from major events like Kırkpınar.

Mayor Özçelik said, “We are reviving our national sport and heritage with this four-day festival. Everyone is welcome to join us in Gökbel for a celebration of sports, friendship, and tradition.”