If you like video grabs,
Turkish wrestling is hard to beat. And with
a history that goes back over four (4) millenia it certainly qualifies as the current longest running organized sport. Judging from this quote from that link
QUOTE
1065-283 B.C. Oilwrestling in Iran
The history of the oilwrestling tournaments as we know today links back to the Persian Mythical Era which according to Ferdowsi's Shahnameh started 1065 B.C. The legendary pehlivan of this era is called Rostam, a hero constantly saving his country from the evil forces.
The ceremonial start of oilwrestling, called by its Persian name \"Peshrev\" has clear links with old Iranian istitutes as the zurkhane, literally \"house of strength\". The building consists of a court, around which the men who will perform arrange themselves, and a gallery for the ostad (\"master\") or morshed (spiritual leader) and the musicians. Nowadays, the musical accompaniment consists of a drum and recitation of portions of Ferdowsi's Shahname. There are various rhythms employed, and a variety of movements associated with them, including displays of strength in manipulating heavy objects (such as weights and chains) and acrobatics.
Here the origin of the peshrev has to be found, by some considered to be a warming up and greet-the-audience ceremony, to others a participatory form of dance. Certain different from the usual step-right, step-left, step-right, kick-left, step-left, kick-right dance found all over the area.
it might be the best way to improve relations with Iran. Bullying and bluster certainly don't seem to be helping. They've been doing that for at least 4000 years before anyone had ever heard of a "USA".
And these caps would be the best way to get Turkey into the European Union. How could even the French (especially the French? wink ) resist these:
The only way to practiceOne could even do it at homeSome can't even take time to undressPromotes brotherhood between very different peoplesThe occassional wardrobe malfunction is not a serious problemGiving a buddy a hand is encouragedGiving him two hands is even betterWe could all be as happy as him if not quite so cute.
