Fevziye Köyü: Oil Wrestling, Mosque and Hiking Trails

Fevziye Köyü offers several points to consider when planning a trip: its long-standing oil-wrestling competitions, traces of the Ottoman era and two routes described in different ways. Those interested in culture can learn about a wrestling tradition and burial sites; for hikers, the route, length and stated difficulty of the Aktoprak–Keramet Hiking Trail are relevant.

Oil Wrestling and the Er-Meydani Tradition

The Fevziye Yağlı Güreşleri takes place in the village of Fevziye and has a 116-year history as a major event in the Turkish wrestling tradition. The Tarihi Fevziye Güreşleri is regarded as the last and longest-surviving Er-Meydani tradition in Turkey to be preserved in a village setting. This highlights both the event’s long history and its distinctive place within this tradition.

The competitions ranged from junior wrestlers to Başpehlivans.

Hacı Muratlar Mescidi and Historic Tombstones

Hacı Muratlar Mescidi was built in 1908. Measuring 4.5 metres wide and 6 metres long, it is one of the smallest mescids in Turkey and an example of late Ottoman architecture. It was restored as part of a project led by the provincial administration; following the restoration, the building was reopened for worship in a ceremony.

An oak tree stands right next to the mescid and was traditionally used as a minaret for the call to prayer. A simple structure was installed to continue this tradition and allow access to the tree. This brings together two aspects of the site: the small religious building and the traditional use of the neighbouring tree.

The tombstones in Fevziye also offer a glimpse into the history of the area. In the small hazire at the northwest corner of the central mosque is a tombstone for Zeliha Hanım, dated 1902; another is dedicated to Hacı Ahmed Efendi and dates from 1906. At the entrance to the village, two graves are attributed to İshak Efendi and his daughter. The tombstone attributed to İshak Efendi is dated 1890–1891, while his daughter Şerife Hanım’s tombstone is dated 1902–1903.

The Yeşil-Mavi Route and the Aktoprak–Keramet Hiking Trail

On its section from Altınova toward Çiftlikköy, the Yeşil-Mavi tourism route passes through Fevziye as well as Soğuksu, Kocadere, Tevfikiye and Sermayecik. The route is 127 kilometres long; including 62 kilometres of connecting roads, the total distance is 189 kilometres. These figures refer to different measurements: the length of the route itself and the total distance including the connecting roads.

A separate route description concerns the Aktoprak–Keramet Hiking Trail. It is approximately 12 kilometres long and has a stated difficulty level of 2. The trail is also described as particularly unspoilt and suitable for landscape photography. The approach described leads through Fevziye: along the way, you pass Karadere, Fevziye, Tevfikiye and Aktoprak. The trail itself then begins on an unpaved track branching off from the road.

For route planning, these details should be read differently: the Yeşil-Mavi route is described in terms of its length and total distance including connections, while the Aktoprak–Keramet trail is given an approximate length and difficulty level. Check trail conditions before setting out, as seasonal conditions can change.

Settlement History

According to one historical account, Fevziye was settled by Circassian groups. The first group arrived in 1879, and a second arrived around 1881–1882. The approximate date of the second group’s arrival is part of this historical account, as is the date given for the first group.

Discover more destinations: Kirazlı Köyü, Çiftlikköy, Armutlu, Çınarcık, Altınova, Termal, Esenköy Belediyesi, Yalova.

Return to the main travel overview: Yalova.