Oil Wrestlers

* Beautiful photographs of widespread phenomena, so far virtually unknown to the West * Designed by famous prize winning book designer Irma Boom * Of interest to lovers of: photography, body art, and martial arts Oil wrestling, performed by Pehlivans, originated in Iran. It spread to Northern India, Pakistan, Turkey, and in the Balkan'especially to Macedonia and adjoining areas. In Iran and Turkey, it is a national sport. In the Balkans, the tournaments mostly happen in remote villages at irregular times. The Pehlivans, who wear heavy leather breeches gathered in at the knee, smear themselves with oil. The champions are models of male virtues like strength, stamina and honor within their communities. Their ideal diet is four kilos of meat and half a kilo of honey a day. Author Nicolaas Biegman was introduced to the world of the Pehlivans by a prominent former Yugoslav wrestling coach, which gave him the opportunity to photograph them during the last three months of a prolonged stay in Macedonia.