The zurkhaneh is a traditional Iranian form of an athletic club or gymnasium for men as well as a spiritual forum somewhat related to Islam and Sufism. The word zurkhaneh in Persian means “house of strength," which is applied to the growing of the individual's spirituality and the strengthening of the body. The zurkhaneh is also found in the countries near to Iran such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.
Varzesh-e Bastani or Varzesh-e Pahlevani are names for the ancient sport of traditional wrestling and strengthening exercises practiced in Persia and surrounding countries.
The Rise of Varzesh-e Bastani
The zurkhaneh was outlawed following the Arab Conquest as it was seen as a possible location of revolutionary activity. It arose again in the Safavid era, to be found again in Iran and neighboring countries. While the zurkhaneh is typically Shiite, there are a few Sunni and Jewish zurkhanehs, and even one Zoroastrian zurkhaneh in Yazd.
Traditionally, the ritual exercises of the zurkhaneh were once performed at the time of the Persian New Year. The rituals of the zurkhaneh include nuances tied to ancient Persian mythology which are intertwined with later ritual elements. It is popularly held that the zurkhaneh has pre-Islamic roots, but in actuality their origins may only go back to the Safavid era.
Design of the Zurkhaneh
The traditional zurkhaneh is a structure which often resembles a public bathhouse which is sometimes nearby. It has a covered area and an opening in the ceiling for light. It is generally lower than the street level to maintain a constant temperature and drafts are avoided by the one small entrance in order to protect the perspiring athletes The floor of the performance arena is about 1m deep and was traditionally covered with soft clay. This performance pit has an octagonal or circular design. The pit is known in Persian as the gaud. Around the gaud are sections set apart for the audience and for the athletes, and a space for the instruments. Pictures of saints and renowned athletes adorn the walls.
In order to enter the zurkhaneh, one must be clean. The most prominent athletes enter last. Females, non-Muslims and pre-pubescent boys are forbidden from entering the arena.
An elevated and decorated area, known as the sardam, is for the morshed or man who accompanies the exercises by singing Persian poetry and beating a drum
The entrance is low so that each athlete must bow before upon entering the arena as a sign of respect and humility, The athletes wear tight leather pants with paisley decoration,
Performance in the Zurkhaneh
The ancient sport of the zurkhaneh is known in Persian as Varzesh-e Bastani, or Varzesh-e Pahlevan, or the sport of the heroes or champions. This ancient sport consists of ritual exercises, wrestling and swinging two heavy large clubs. The rituals are accompanied by the morshed, the guide or leading Pahlavan (champion)singing Persian classic poetry from Rumi, Firdawsi, Sa'adi and other classic poets while beating a drum The morshed is seated at a higher level. He beats the drum stronger and faster in time and the movement of the athletes grows faster.
The zurkhaneh was once practiced in Persia and the surrounding countries and as far as the Balkans to Bengal.(Zur-Kana)
Watch and listen to a ten minute demonstration of the exercises and rituals of the zurkhaneh by Zurkhaneh Morshed Akbar in September 2008 in Teheran, Iran.
Sources
- Zur-Kana. Encyclppedia Iranica.
- Zurkhaneh. World News Network.
- Nekoogar, Farzad (1996). Traditional Iranian Martial Arts (Varzesh-e Pahlavani)
Paula I. Nielson - Paula I. Nielson, Ph.D., holds credentials and interests in anthropology, archaeology, religion, the Middle East and Asia.
