Zurkhaneh, symbol of spiritual growth

By Shirin Barghi - Press TV - Tehran, Iran
Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Iran's traditional Zurkhaneh is an ancient sporting ritual, which combines pre-Islamic Iranian culture with the spirituality of Sufism.

To the western eye, Zurkhaneh (house of strength) may seem like an ordinary sports club, but for the ancient Persians it was a unique place where the improvement of men's physical fiber was seen as a vital step towards moral and spiritual enlightenment.

The Varzesh-e Pahlavani (Sport of the Heroes) rituals go to the very heart of traditional Iranian ideals about spiritual growth, masculinity, religious devotion and physical prowess, with an ancient history dating back to the Parthian Empire of Iran (132 BC - 226 AD).

Every session begins with pious praise of the holy Prophet (PBUH) and his family, followed by the recitation of stories from The Shahnameh of Ferdowsi (Book of kings).

The exercises are varied. They include wielding the mil (wooden club), pulling the kaman (bow-shaped iron weights), lifting various types of weights, push-ups, and gyration.

Usually, the exercises begin with acrobatics and juggling presented by the pishro (novice) and end with a wrestling match between two tested pahlavans (heroes).

The Zurkhaneh membership is by rank. The lowest rank is that of the nowcheh (tyro), an individual who is being trained by a designated champion. The next rank belongs to the nowkhasteh (neophyte). The third rank belongs to the Pahlavan or tested champion.

The leader of the champions is called the Pahlavan- e-pahlavanan (champion of champions). The rhythm for the exercises is set by ancient poetry recited by the murshed (master) and the beat of his drum.