Kırkpınar legend Aydın Demir passes away

Aydın Demir, one of the legends of oil wrestling who had been receiving treatment for some time, held 50 medals—40 of which were gold—and 40 trophies, in addition to his gold belt.

The funeral for 81-year-old Aydın Demir will be held today in Karamürsel at the Kayacık Mosque following the afternoon prayer, after which he will be laid to rest at the New Cemetery.

WHO IS AYDIN DEMİR?

Aydın Demir, one of Turkey's famous oil wrestling champions and a gold belt holder, was born on November 24, 1943, in Karamürsel. Aydın Demir's victory against Kara Ali from İzmir at the Presidential Cup Oil Wrestling tournament in Ankara on May 19, 1969, made a significant impact.

Aydın Demir, who placed third in the Kırkpınar Chief Wrestler tournament in 1969, won the Çan Wrestling championship in 1970, 1971, and 1972. He became the owner of the gold belt in 1978.

Beyond his gold belt, Aydın Demir held 50 medals—40 of which were gold—and 40 trophies. After retiring from wrestling, he served as a referee. He took part in the Oil Wrestling Committee established in 1991 and served as a tower referee in the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling tournaments.

He passed away on February 6, 2024.