What were Yusuf İsmaïl's birth details, including his birth year, birthplace, and the political entity it belonged to?

Yusuf İsmaïl was born in 1857 in the village of Karalar (also known as Cherna), located near Shumen within the Özi Eyalet of the Ottoman Empire. This places his origins in a region that was part of the vast Ottoman Empire during his birth.

When and where did Yusuf İsmaïl die, and at what age?

Yusuf İsmaïl died on July 4, 1898, at the age of 40 or 41. His death occurred at sea, off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada.

What were some of the ring names or monikers associated with Yusuf İsmaïl during his professional wrestling career?

Yusuf İsmaïl was known by several ring names, including Yusuf Ismail, the Big Yusuf, and most famously, Yusuf Ismail the Terrible Turk.

What were Yusuf İsmaïl's billed physical measurements for his wrestling career?

Yusuf İsmaïl was billed at a height of 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) and a weight of 305 pounds (138 kilograms). These impressive dimensions contributed to his formidable presence in the wrestling ring.

From where was Yusuf İsmaïl billed as hailing, and when did he make his professional wrestling debut?

Yusuf İsmaïl was billed as being from Shumen, Ottoman Empire. His professional wrestling career began in 1894.

What was Yusuf İsmaïl's nationality and profession?

Yusuf İsmaïl was a Turkish professional wrestler. He competed internationally, performing in both Europe and the United States during the 1890s.

What was Yusuf İsmaïl's most recognized ring name, and what was he known as by native Turks?

Yusuf İsmaïl was widely known as Yusuf Ismail the Terrible Turk during his career. However, within his native Turkey, he was recognized as Şumnulu Yusuf Pehlivan.

How did Yusuf İsmaïl come to be known as Koca Yusuf?

The honorific Koca, meaning Great, was posthumously awarded to Yusuf İsmaïl by the writer Rıza Tevfik. This led to him being remembered and referred to as Koca Yusuf.

How was Yusuf İsmaïl regarded in terms of strength by prominent figures in the fitness world?

Yusuf İsmaïl was considered one of the top three strongmen in the world by Alan Calvert, a pioneer in American weight training, and photographer Edmond Desbonnet. This recognition highlights his exceptional physical prowess.

What was Yusuf İsmaïl's undefeated streak prior to his arrival in the United States, and what significant championship did he win in 1898?

Prior to his arrival in the United States, Yusuf İsmaïl had an undefeated record spanning nearly four years. In 1898, he achieved a major victory by defeating Evan "Strangler" Lewis to win the American Heavyweight Championship.

Was Yusuf İsmaïl the only wrestler to use the moniker "the Terrible Turk"?

No, Yusuf İsmaïl was the original wrestler known as "the Terrible Turk." However, the name was later adopted by several other wrestlers, including Kızılcıklı Mahmut (promoted as his son) and Armenian-American Robert Manoogian, throughout the first half of the 20th century.

What is known about Yusuf İsmaïl's early life and origins?

Little is known about Yusuf İsmaïl's early life before his wrestling debut in 1894. However, according to wrestling historian William Baxter, he was born Youssuf Ishmaelo in 1857 to a Muslim Turkish family in Bulgaria, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire.

What significant wrestling tournament did Yusuf İsmaïl win in 1887?

In 1887, Yusuf İsmaïl won the prestigious Kırkpınar Tournament. This victory marked an early success in his wrestling career.

According to Edmond Desbonnet, when did the "Turkish invasion" of wrestling begin, and who were the wrestlers brought to Paris by Joseph Doublier?

Edmond Desbonnet claimed in his book Les Rois de la Lutte (1910) that the "Turkish invasion" began in 1894. Joseph Doublier brought three wrestlers to Paris to challenge a rival named Sabès: Kara Osman, Nurullah Hasan, and Yusuf Ismail.

How did Yusuf İsmaïl perform in his debut match in Paris?

In his Paris debut, Yusuf İsmaïl defeated his opponent, Sabès, in a remarkably short time of four seconds. He countered Sabès's front belt hold and secured the victory with a chokehold.

What was Yusuf İsmaïl's reputation regarding his matches in France?

Yusuf İsmaïl spent three years dominating opponents in France. He was also known for his fierce pride, reportedly vowing to commit suicide if he were ever defeated.

Describe the infamous match between Yusuf İsmaïl and İbrahim Mahmut at the Cirque d'Hiver in Paris.

The match between Yusuf İsmaïl and İbrahim Mahmut at the Cirque d'Hiver was described as one of the most brutal bouts ever seen. İsmaïl became enraged, tearing at Mahmut's nostrils, breaking his ribs, and twisting his arms, requiring intervention from police and spectators to separate them.

Rephrase the caption for the image depicting members of the "Turkish invasion."

The image shows key figures associated with the "Turkish invasion" of wrestling, identified from left to right as Kara Osman, Nurullah Hasan, the French promoter Joseph Doublier, and Yusuf Ismail himself.

Who managed Yusuf İsmaïl when he toured the United States, and who promoted his matches in New York?

After being managed by Joseph Doublier, Yusuf İsmaïl was brought to New York by Antonio Pierri and subsequently managed by promoter William A. Brady.

What challenge did Yusuf İsmaïl issue at the London Theatre in New York, and who accepted it?

At the London Theatre in New York, Yusuf İsmaïl offered $100 to anyone who could last 15 minutes in the ring with him. George Bothner, a well-known lightweight wrestler, accepted the challenge despite a significant weight disadvantage.

How did George Bothner describe his encounter with Yusuf İsmaïl?

George Bothner described Yusuf İsmaïl as a "modern Hercules" who was quick and a master of all holds. He recounted being picked up "like a kitten" and slammed down with "terrific force," leaving him helpless and injured.

Who was the first wrestler to defeat Yusuf İsmaïl, and under what circumstances?

Yusuf İsmaïl's undefeated streak ended with a disqualification against Ernest Roeber at Madison Square Garden on March 26, 1898. İsmaïl pushed Roeber off the raised ring platform, causing him to fall five feet to the ground, which led to the match being awarded to Roeber.

What was the crowd reaction to the disqualification of Yusuf İsmaïl against Ernest Roeber?

The crowd reacted with outrage to İsmaïl's disqualification against Roeber, believing Roeber had been seriously injured or killed. This led to a riot, with spectators charging the ring and making threats of lynching against İsmaïl, necessitating police intervention.

How did the rematch between Yusuf İsmaïl and Ernest Roeber at the Metropolitan Opera House conclude?

The rematch between Yusuf İsmaïl and Ernest Roeber at the Metropolitan Opera House ended in a no-contest. The match devolved into chaos when their managers and boxer Bob Fitzsimmons became involved, leading to fans storming the ring and the venue subsequently banning wrestling events.

Describe Yusuf İsmaïl's final professional wrestling match in Chicago.

In his final match on June 20, 1898, in Chicago, Yusuf İsmaïl faced American champion Evan "Strangler" Lewis for the "championship of the world." Although Lewis's signature stranglehold was barred, İsmaïl reportedly used it twice, winning the match despite the rule violation, leading Lewis to concede that İsmaïl was the better man.

How did Yusuf İsmaïl die?

Yusuf İsmaïl died on July 4, 1898, when the ocean liner La Bourgogne sank. He was among the 562 people who perished in the disaster.

What are the reported circumstances surrounding Yusuf İsmaïl's death on the La Bourgogne?

According to colorful press accounts, Yusuf İsmaïl fell overboard during the evacuation of the La Bourgogne. It is suggested he was dragged underwater by the weight of his money belt, which supposedly contained a significant amount of gold coins.

What sensational, though likely fabricated, claims were made about Yusuf İsmaïl's actions during the sinking of the La Bourgogne?

Some journalists and surviving passengers claimed that Yusuf İsmaïl threw women and children overboard in his attempt to reach the lifeboats. However, these accounts were not included in the official report and are widely believed to have originated from his manager, William Brady.

What were Yusuf İsmaïl's plans after his wrestling career concluded?

Shortly after his final match, Yusuf İsmaïl was reportedly planning to return to Europe to open a coffee shop or bazaar in his native village near Shumen.

How has Yusuf İsmaïl been depicted in popular culture?

Yusuf İsmaïl's life was the subject of a 1966 film titled Koca Yusuf, in which the wrestler Özdemir Aydın portrayed him.

What related topic is mentioned in the "See also" section of the article?

The "See also" section includes a link to the "List of people who disappeared at sea," a relevant topic given the circumstances of Yusuf İsmaïl's death.

What professional wrestling championship did Yusuf İsmaïl win during his career?

Yusuf İsmaïl won the American Heavyweight Championship once during his professional wrestling career.

What was the significance of the "Terrible Turk" moniker, and who else used it?

The moniker "the Terrible Turk" was originally associated with Yusuf İsmaïl, highlighting his fearsome reputation in wrestling. However, the name was later adopted by several other wrestlers, including Kızılcıklı Mahmut and Robert Manoogian, during the early to mid-20th century.

What specific wrestling hold did Yusuf İsmaïl use to defeat Sabès in Paris, and what hold did Sabès attempt?

In his Paris debut, Yusuf İsmaïl defeated Sabès using a chokehold. Sabès had initially attempted to use a front belt hold against İsmaïl.

What unusual physical characteristic was noted about Yusuf İsmaïl's strength during his match with George Bothner?

During his match with George Bothner, Yusuf İsmaïl demonstrated immense strength by picking Bothner up "as if he was a kitten." This highlights the sheer power he possessed.

What incident occurred during Yusuf İsmaïl's disqualification against Ernest Roeber that led to a riot?

The riot during the match against Ernest Roeber occurred when İsmaïl pushed Roeber off the raised ring platform, causing him to fall five feet to the ground. Roeber was knocked unconscious, leading the crowd to believe he had been killed and prompting them to charge the ring.

What was the role of William A. Brady in Yusuf İsmaïl's American tour, and what was his later career?

William A. Brady was Yusuf İsmaïl's promoter in New York during his American tour. Brady later went on to become a successful Broadway producer.

What specific injury did George Bothner sustain from his match with Yusuf İsmaïl?

George Bothner sustained a significant neck injury from his match with Yusuf İsmaïl, describing it as a wrench that "almost tore it from my shoulders," which took several days to recover from.

What was the financial stake and the title contested in Yusuf İsmaïl's final match against Evan Lewis?

Yusuf İsmaïl's final match against Evan Lewis in Chicago had a purse of $3,500 and was contested for the title referred to as the "championship of the world."

What were the reported amounts of money Yusuf İsmaïl was carrying at the time of his death?

At the time of his death aboard the La Bourgogne, Yusuf İsmaïl was reportedly carrying a money belt containing between $8,000 and $10,000 in gold coins.

What specific detail about Yusuf İsmaïl's wrestling attire or equipment is mentioned in relation to his death?

In the colorful accounts of his death, it is mentioned that Yusuf İsmaïl was wearing a money belt when he fell overboard from the La Bourgogne. The weight of this belt, filled with gold coins, is said to have dragged him underwater.

What was the name of the ocean liner on which Yusuf İsmaïl tragically died?

Yusuf İsmaïl died when the ocean liner La Bourgogne sank on July 4, 1898.

What specific claim was made about Yusuf İsmaïl's wrestling ability by Evan Lewis after their final match?

After being defeated by Yusuf İsmaïl in their final match, Evan Lewis was quoted as saying, "I was licked. The Turk is the better man," acknowledging İsmaïl's superior skill.

What was the name of the French promoter who brought Yusuf İsmaïl and other Turkish wrestlers to Paris?

The French promoter who brought Yusuf İsmaïl and other Turkish wrestlers to Paris was Joseph Doublier.

What was the name of the book written by Edmond Desbonnet that mentioned the "Turkish invasion"?

Edmond Desbonnet mentioned the "Turkish invasion" in his book titled Les Rois de la Lutte, published in 1910.

What was the name of the wrestler who was defeated by Sabès, leading Joseph Doublier to seek out Yusuf İsmaïl?

Joseph Doublier was defeated by a rival wrestler named Sabès, which prompted Doublier to travel to Turkey in search of wrestlers who could defeat him, including Yusuf İsmaïl.

What was the approximate weight of Yusuf İsmaïl mentioned during his arrival in Paris?

When Yusuf İsmaïl was brought to Paris, his weight was noted as 250 pounds.

What specific type of hold was barred in Yusuf İsmaïl's final match against Evan Lewis?

The stranglehold, which Evan "Strangler" Lewis was known for, was specifically barred in their final match.

What was the name of the book by Nat Fleischer that quoted George Bothner's account of wrestling Yusuf İsmaïl?

George Bothner's account of wrestling Yusuf İsmaïl was quoted in Nat Fleischer's book From Milo to Londos, published in 1937.

Yusuf U0130smail Wiki: The Colossus of the Mat: Yusuf İsmaïl's Legendary Reign

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Biographical Overview

Identity and Aliases

Yusuf İsmaïl, known posthumously by the honorific Koca ("Great") as Koca Yusuf, was a formidable figure in the world of professional wrestling during the late 19th century. He was widely recognized as Yusuf Ismail the Terrible Turk, a moniker that struck fear and awe into opponents and audiences alike. His native Turkish peers knew him as Şumnulu Yusuf Pehlivan, signifying his origin from Shumen.

Lifespan and Origin

Born in 1857 in the village of Karalar (Cherna), near Shumen within the Özü Eyalet of the Ottoman Empire, Yusuf İsmaïl hailed from a Muslim Turkish family. His life was tragically cut short on July 4, 1898, at the age of 40 or 41, when he perished at sea off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada.

Physical Prowess

İsmaïl was renowned for his immense physique and exceptional strength. He stood 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall and weighed approximately 305 pounds (138 kg). This imposing stature, combined with his raw power, established him as one of the preeminent strongmen of his era.

Early Career and the 'Turkish Invasion'

Ascendancy in Wrestling

While details of his early life are scarce, Yusuf İsmaïl first gained significant recognition by winning the prestigious Kırkpınar Tournament in 1887. This victory marked the beginning of his ascent in the traditional Turkish oil wrestling circuit.

The European Debut

In 1894, French promoter Joseph Doublier, seeking to counter rival Sabès, brought İsmaïl along with Kara Osman and Nurullah Hasan to Paris. In his debut, İsmaïl achieved a stunning victory over Sabès in a mere four seconds, utilizing a powerful chokehold after withstanding Sabès's front belt hold. This event signaled the commencement of the famed "Turkish Invasion" of European wrestling circuits.

Dominance and Fierce Pride

For three years, İsmaïl remained virtually undefeated in France. His reputation was further cemented by his fierce pride; legend has it he vowed to commit suicide if ever pinned. His encounters were often marked by extreme intensity, exemplified by a brutal bout against fellow Turk İbrahim Mahmut at the Cirque d'Hiver. The match devolved into a savage display, requiring police intervention to separate the enraged wrestlers.

North American Tour and Championship Pursuit

The $100 Challenge

In 1898, İsmaïl's career took him to New York under promoter William A. Brady. At the London Theatre, a challenge was issued: $100 to anyone who could last 15 minutes in the ring with him. Lightweight wrestler George Bothner accepted, only to be swiftly defeated and injured, describing İsmaïl's strength as "terrible" and his technique as that of a "jungle cat."

Controversial Encounters

İsmaïl's time in New York was marked by controversy. His match against Ernest Roeber at Madison Square Garden ended in disqualification and a near-riot after İsmaïl pushed Roeber out of the ring, causing a severe injury. A subsequent rematch at the Metropolitan Opera House was declared a no-contest due to managerial disputes and crowd interference.

Claiming the Heavyweight Title

In Chicago, on June 20, 1898, İsmaïl faced Evan "Strangler" Lewis for the "championship of the world." Despite Lewis's renowned stranglehold being barred, İsmaïl secured victory in the second and third rounds. Lewis himself conceded defeat, stating, "I was licked. The Turk is the better man." This marked İsmaïl's final match.

Tragic Demise at Sea

The Sinking of La Bourgogne

Shortly after his victory over Lewis, Yusuf İsmaïl embarked on the ocean liner La Bourgogne, intending to return to his native village. Tragically, the ship sank on July 4, 1898, resulting in the loss of 562 lives, including İsmaïl's.

Conflicting Accounts

Press reports from the time offered sensationalized and conflicting accounts of İsmaïl's final moments. Some claimed he drowned due to the weight of a money belt containing a substantial sum in gold coins. Others alleged he pushed women and children aside in a desperate attempt to reach lifeboats. While the latter accounts are widely considered unsubstantiated and possibly fabricated by his promoter, they contributed to his dramatic legend.

Cultural Resonance

Enduring Legacy

The larger-than-life persona and dramatic life of Yusuf İsmaïl have left a lasting impression. His story has transcended the wrestling ring, inspiring cultural works. Notably, a Turkish film titled "Koca Yusuf" was released in 1966, further immortalizing the legend of the wrestling titan.

Championships and Accolades

Professional Wrestling Achievements

Yusuf İsmaïl's dominance in the ring earned him significant recognition:

American Heavyweight Championship: He held this title once, solidifying his status as a top contender in the United States.

Hall of Fame Induction

His contributions to the sport were formally recognized with his induction into the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2021, cementing his place among the sport's most influential figures.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Yusuf İsmail Wikipedia page

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The Colossus of the Mat

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biographical Overview ℹ️

👤 Identity and Aliases

🗓️ Lifespan and Origin

📏 Physical Prowess

Early Career and the 'Turkish Invasion' ⚔️

🏆 Ascendancy in Wrestling

🌍 The European Debut

🔥 Dominance and Fierce Pride

North American Tour and Championship Pursuit 🇺🇸

💰 The $100 Challenge

💥 Controversial Encounters

👑 Claiming the Heavyweight Title

Tragic Demise at Sea 🚢

🌊 The Sinking of La Bourgogne

💰 Conflicting Accounts

Cultural Resonance 🎬

📜 Enduring Legacy

Championships and Accolades 🏅

🏆 Professional Wrestling Achievements

⭐ Hall of Fame Induction

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

📜 References

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biographical Overview

Identity and Aliases

Lifespan and Origin

Physical Prowess

Early Career and the 'Turkish Invasion'

Ascendancy in Wrestling

The European Debut

Dominance and Fierce Pride

North American Tour and Championship Pursuit

The $100 Challenge

Controversial Encounters

Claiming the Heavyweight Title

Tragic Demise at Sea

The Sinking of La Bourgogne

Conflicting Accounts

Cultural Resonance

Enduring Legacy

Championships and Accolades

Professional Wrestling Achievements

Hall of Fame Induction

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice