In western Turkey, neither chickens nor buffaloes play a game of fighting each other. Here, decorated camels are unloaded in the arena.
The beauty of the otters
A day before the competition, camels from the western Turkish city of Selcak are on display. On this day, the decorated camels are passed in front of a jury. It is also called the beauty of camel competition.
Loving care
The owners very kindly prepare their camels for these competitions and these preparations often last for several weeks. These camel competitions are also said to help keep alive the historical connection that was traditionally found in the past between gypsies and their animals.
Gypsy tradition
Fighting camels is said to have been a favorite pastime of gypsies. This tradition is part of the remnants of a time when people were nomads and camels were used for trade caravans.
Camel vs. Camel
During the camel fight, all the participants in the festival are taken seriously. In the arena, camels kick and trample on each other while trying to dominate their opponents. There are also some people present to help the camels, who do not allow the animals to bite each other. The camels of the Tolo breed are extremely rare and are protected in all conditions.
Who won, who lost?
In this competition, only the camel wins, which manages to push its opponent first, or its opponent runs away or falls to the ground. In the joy of victory, foam starts coming out of the camel's mouth.
Feature of the fair
Nowadays, the festival is held in football stadiums, ancient buildings or open fields. If we talk only about 'Selchak', then every year twenty thousand spectators come here on this occasion and about one hundred and twenty camels are brought for the competition.
Also a fair and a picnic
To watch the camel fight, fans arrive early in the morning with their chairs on the field to find their favorite spot. There are also stalls for food and other items. People also do barbecue themselves.
Expression of anger
Camels express their anger by foaming at the mouth. Some camels of the Tolo breed have become so skilled at these competitions that they participate in various fairs held in different cities of western Turkey with their owners between November and March.
