AssetID: 54912158
Headline: Turkish 'Greased Pole' Contest Gets New Lease Of Life
Caption: Turkish 'Greased Pole' Contest Gets New Lease Of Life. The Black Sea city of Ordu came alive on 5 July as Red Bull Yağlı Direk revived the centuries-old Turkish tradition - the sport of Yağlı Direk, or “greased pole”. Rooted in the nation’s rich maritime history, the event sees participants attempt to traverse a long, grease-slicked pole suspended over the sea in pursuit of a flag at its far end. The result is a slippery, high-stakes contest of agility, strength and balance that, despite its light-hearted appearance, is steeped in cultural significance.The origins of Yağlı Direk can be traced to Türkiye’s seafaring past. In coastal regions from the Black Sea to the Aegean and Mediterranean, sailors trained on unstable surfaces to hone the balance and reflexes essential for navigating unpredictable waters. The challenge is deceptively simple: walk – or run – across a heavily greased pole suspended above water, and grab the flag before losing your footing. Most contestants end up plunging into the sea to roars of laughter and applause, but those with the right blend of balance and determination may just succeed.
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