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Discussionand Conclusion. When 
Ottoman wrestling lodges and Greek gymnasia 
are examined, it is seen that both were 
inseparable parts of their own society. In the 
establishment and extension phase of wrestling 
lodges, the idea of creating a society that is 
qualified and educated, and is also resistant 
against opposite forces was foregrounded. As 
of the second half of the XV century, the 
athletes were directed into education and 
learning instead of an entire fight exercise, and 
these lodges constituted today’s sports club 
concept. Likewise, in gymnasia, the aim was to 
provide welfare, education and leisure for the 
society. People grown up in these structures in 
both cultures played important roles in 
different units of their states. However, 
gymnasia have never been able to catch the 
club concept like lodges. It is because of the 
fact that Romans closed out these gymnasia 
after a short time following their rule over 
Greeks (A.D. 391). Another difference 
between these two facilities is that there was no 
class or status discrimination in the students 
accepted to wrestling lodges; however, only 
the elite class was able to receive education in 
gymnasia. Both facilities were established 
considering the population density in their 
environments, and their numbers were 
determined according to the city size and 
requirements. Incomes of the lodges were 
satisfactorily 
supplied 
from 
affiliated 
associations while voluntarism was the basis 
for Gymnasia. In terms of physical structures, 
lodges had to have at least 24 student rooms, 
12 guest rooms and one sheikh room regardless 
of the size of the building. Each visible side of 
lodge architecture was the reflection of Islam 
religion. These are actually related to 
Shamanism belief of Turks. There is no such a 
rule or number for the shape of gymnasia, yet 
they were built in rectangular. Although there 
was no certain location for lodges, they were 
generally built next to the tomb of a Sheikh or 
Wrestler who founded the lodge. In gymnasia, 
on the other hand, location was selected from 
places that can be suitable for sport activities
and requirements of military education and 
thus the location of gymnasia was selected as 
places under protected places and umbrage 
trees with abundant water to ensure a healthy 
and regular education. Mostly, an Asklepios 
sacred place or a temple took place near 
Gymnasia. Considering educational structure 
of both facilities, it can be seen that not only 
physical training or sport education but also 
courses such as basic sciences, language and 
grammar, rhetoric, geography, mathematics 
and physics were offered. It was a must to 
show a high-level performance on all kinds of 
sports in the age, particularly archery and 
riding in Ottoman wrestling lodges in addition 
to wrestling. Boxing, pancras, throwing discus, 
long jumping and running were also included 
in addition to wrestling in gymnasia. In 
conclusion, both of these facilities were 
welcomed by people and state and accepted as 
sacred places.