Nubian Wrestling in Khartoum

Every Friday at 4pm before sunset in Souq Sita, Haj Yusef, an ancient sport originally thought up by the Nubian pharaohs is still being practiced. A display of strength, testosterone and ancient ritual, this sport is a real craft. Unlike boxing, no fists are allowed and no blood is drawn, at least intentionally; it is more comparable to a martial art.

There are different teams with their own strips, from which each wrestler, either professional or amateur will chose his challenger. After coating themselves with sand to prevent slippage, the men will perform a strange and taunting dance around each other until they lock necks. The goal is then to flip one’s opposer on their back.

A Nubian wrestling match is a fast-paced and gripping spectacle and a must-see for any visitors to Khartoum. The highlight was the moment when a tall, lean wrestler picked the biggest, stockiest bruiser of them all to fight. Our hearts were in our throats, as we watched this skinny man expertly tire out the larger wrestler, running circles around him until he was eventually defeated. Respect!