Oil wrestling, performed by 'Pehlivans', originated in Iran. It spread to Northern India, Pakistan, Turkey, and in the Balkans especially to Macedonia and adjoining areas. In Iran and Turkey it is a national sport. In the Balkan the tournaments mostly happen in remote villages at irregular times. The Pehlivans, who wear heavy leather breeches gathered in at the knee, smear themselves with oil. The champions are models of male virtues like strength, stamina and honour within their communities. Their ideal diet is four kilos of meat and half a kilo of honey a day.