It is a traditional form of wrestling older than 600 centuries and characterized by rubbing oil into the skin to make it slippery and hard to hold. During Ottoman times the imperial wrestling games were complemented by games held on occasions such as weddings and the religious holiday of ramadan as well as for the benefit of pious foundations.

Kırkpınar is today part of the Samona village of Greece. Following the First World War, the games were moved to a district called Virantekke located between Edirne and Mustafapaşa, and after 1924 they were held in the Sarayiçi district of Edirne. Throughout their history it was customary that landowners would pay for all expenses. The official sponsor of the Kırkpınar wrestling games since 1946 is the Municipality of Edirne.