He is the person who introduces all the wrestlers to the spectators and who starts the wrestling contest. The announcer, who may also be referred to as "Salavatçı", introduces the names, titles and the wrestling skills of the wrestlers who are matched by drawing lots, or the jury, in suitable verses and prayers.

This prayer varies according to different regions. A master-apprentice tradition is followed among the announcers as among the wrestlers. Sadık Hodja (Atılgan), the imam of Edirne Ayşekadın Mosque, and Şirin Mustafa are among well-known announcers. On Friday, the starting day of the wrestling contests, after visiting the wrestlers' graveyard, the wrestlers head to Sarayiçi following the chanting of the Mevlit in Selimiye Mosque and the wrestling contests are initiated starting from small sizes with the prayer of the announcer.