The Zurkhaneh in Shiraz

Author: Luijendijk, Dick H.

Source: Iran and the Caucasus, Volume 15, Numbers 1-2, 2011 , pp. 99-116(18)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

The zurkhaneh is a place where the alleged indigenous martial system of Iran is practiced. Because of its strong ties to wrestling, the system is based mainly on physical strength necessary for a wrestling match. Exercises are performed to the rhythm of a hand-held drum and songs. The zurkhaneh is a living tradition, and traces of the historical context in which a particular zurkhaneh was founded are visible in its teachings. The purpose of this paper is to determine the changes, which took place in the zurkhaneh during three periods in the city of Shiraz.

Keywords: ZURKHANEH; SYMBOLIC ANTHROPOLOGY; TRADITIONAL SPORT IN IRAN

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/157338411X12870596615476

Affiliations: 1: Radboud University Nijmegen

Publication date: 2011-06-01