Video: The Pahlevani and Zoorkhanei Rituals
A video spotlighting Iran's Pahlevani martial arts tradition, which holds communities together as well as strengthening their people.
Throughout Iran’s long history, the region has been home to a variety of martial traditions designed to strengthen the body, calm the mind, and build trust between young people. Persian dynasties specialized in competitive wrestling, archery, and similar martial sports for thousands of years. The modern art of Pahlevani likely took shape in the 17th century under the Safavid Empire, which sponsored the building of hundreds of of practice sites. Besides much older Iranian religious traditions like Mithraism and Zoroastrianism, Islamic Sufism also played a strong role in its philosophical development. The name Pahlevani refers to the word '“hero,” a regimen meant to not only hone muscles but to create strong and reliable community members.
Pahlevani practice traditionally takes place inside a Zoorkhanei, or House of Strength, a domed athletics center specially outfitted for the purpose. Within, a central ring with hexagonal or octagonal sides hosts groups of athletes as they stretch, exercise, and compete together. An outer ring of benches also accommodate musicians and spectators.
Pahlevani athletes use several types of equipment. Many sessions begin with the lifting of two flat, heavy shields called sang, similar to a bench press. Athletes then perform pushups and other calisthenics before swinging a thick iron bar called a kabbadah. Perhaps the most famous implements are the mil, two thick wooden clubs that are tossed and juggled. In addition to these activities, Pahlevani also incorporates wrestling and dancing.
During the 20th century, Pahlevani and the Zoorkhanei nearly fell into disuse. Turbulent national politics in Iran threatened to render the sport a cultural relic. Since that time, however, the practice has recovered and is still widely enjoyed by men in Iran and its surrounding nations. This video, courtesy of UNESCO, takes us inside a Zoorkhanei to see this Iranian martial art ourselves.
References
Krawietz, Birgit. “Martial Arts Iranian Style.” Sport Across Asia: Politics, Cultures, and Identities, edited by Joseph Maguire, Birgit Krawietz, and Katrin Bromber, Taylor & Francis, 2013.
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