- Zurkhaneh
Zurkhaneh or zourkhaneh (in
Persian : زور خانه, literally "house of strength") is a traditionalIranian gymnasium in which theIranian national sport, calledVarzesh-e Pahlavani or Varzesh-e Bastani, is practiced.tructure
The Zurkhaneh itself is an
octagonal pit about 1m deep with a floor of clay soil in which athletes train for Pahlevan. In contrast to gymnastics practiced in the West, the exercises consist of team sports that combine tests of physical strength and flexibility, specific rituals, and respect for traditional moral and ethical rules. The game of Pahlevan changes to keep pace with the sound of a drum played by the morshed or guide, who is typically seated in an elevated position within the hall.Roots and history
The zurkhaneh is more than just a place dedicated to physical exercise. The zurkhaneh and Varzesh-e Pahlavani have their roots in pre-Islamic Iranian culture. After the Arab conquest, its practice became illegal for a time, and was seen as representing a form of cultural resistance. Over time, however, the pastime adapted to fit in with Islamic culture. In addition, certain moral qualities and values came to be associated with pahlevans; such as courage, selflessness and, above all faith and absolute loyalty to the prophet and the imams.
The climax of the Zurkhaneh was in the Safavid dynasty, while twelver Shiism became the state religion. There has been renewed interest in the Zurkhaneh starting in the early 20th century, and it is now associated with nationalism.
Today
The practice of Varzesh-e Pahlavani is still alive in the popular districts of
Tehran ,Esfahan ,Yazd , or other cities inIran .References
* [http://www.iranica.com/newsite/index.isc?Article=http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/unicode/ot_grp10/ot_zurkhana_20060208.html Encyclopedia Iranica]
* [http://www.zurkhaneh.com/eng/index.asp International Zurkhane Sports Federation]
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