Murat Sinici depicts the brutal but affable side to Turkish olive oil wrestling

Murat Sinici is a London-based self-taught photographer originally from the south west of Turkey, who we spotted via Pylot. The photographer’s upbringing has a large visual influence on his work, often relating personal projects back to his home.

When Murat first moved to London he was originally a photo developer at one of Kodak’s labs. “You can’t imagine being in a lab where your eye is exposed to so many different images from all over the world,” he explains. “It was here that I decided to buy a camera and start taking photographs as a hobby.”

Murat still insists he is not a professional photographer: “I like the idea of being an observer, or documenter of experiences.” This is due to Murat’s work consistently being rooted to a personal interest or experience, as demonstrated by his recent series, The Golden Belt of Kirkpinar, which depicts male olive oil wrestling.

“Wrestling in Turkey starts in the streets, in schools, half-terms and in people’s back yards,” Murat explains. “Parents encourage their kids to take part to learn to be strong. I think it’s fair to say that this unique sport is very culturally rooted and pride is everything.” From the experienced wrestlers who wear cauliflower ears with pride to lean teenagers, the photographer captures not only the brutality of the game but, “the deep friendships and respect among competitors that exist outside the competition arena.”