The Zur Khaneh - House of Strength

[shugs]

Thread dedicated to gathering information inc. images on the fascinating ancient form of Persian martial arts performed in the Zurkhaneh...

So here is a very good comprehensive article on the structure of the Zurkhaneh and it's origions in history including theories on how the two sects came about... Islamic Shi'ite & Sufi and Pahlavani or Parsi Nationalistic

Zurkhaneh

by
Iraj Bashiri

The traditional Iranian sports club, usually referred to as the zurkhaneh (lit., house of force or strength), is a covered structure lit by a single opening in the ceiling. At the center of the structure, sunken in the floor, is a circular or octagonal pit (gaud) of about three or four feet deep and about 30 or 40 feet in diameter. The main event, the champions' calisthenics, takes place in this pit directly below the audience level. In older zurkhanehs, the surface of the pit is covered by cement. In more modern zurkhanehs, it is covered with wood panels.

The main floor, above and around the pit, is divided into several sections, each separated from the other by means of a low partition. The main section, almost all around the pit, is given to the audience. A small section is used by the champions for changing clothes and for keeping their equipment. In more modern zurkhanehs, this section this section has been changed to lockers. Another section is used by the musicians who entertain the audience before the exercises begin. By the entrance, there is a kiosk-like structure where the person who recites poetry is located. This person is referred to variously as the murshed or the murabbi. The murshed has a somewhat elevated place over the audience so that from where he sits, he can see all the goings-on in the zurkhaneh, both in the pit and the audience. In front of him, slightly higher than eye-level, there is a bell and, below at his feet, there is a brazier. The former is for informing the audience of the arrival of prominent guests to the gathering, the latter is for heating his drum, as well as for preparing a cinnamon and cardamom flavored hot drink served to the champions after the completion of the exercises. The most well-known zurkhaneh in Iran was at the Bam Citadel (Arg-i Bam). Although the citadel is no longer in use, its zurkhaneh, its walls ornamented with stucco and lattice windows, remain intact.

The zurkhaneh has a little known but fascinating history. During the fall of the Persian Empire to the armies of Islam, Iranian athletes and warriors alike, lost their ability to perform their traditional sports in the open. Neither did they want to abandon their cherished traditions which were fundamental for keeping their minds and bodies sound and healthy. Consequently, Iranian athletes decided to gather in private homes and carry on their normal routine there. Later on they moved into the type of covered structure that we recognize now as the zurkhaneh.

During the early centuries of Islam in Iran, these clandestine clubs entered Iranian society as legitimate sports clubs. While the champions in both clubs used the same set of equipment and performed the same exercises, the makeup and ambiance of the newly emerging clubs were different as they were molded by the ideology of the individuals who managed them, as well as the champions who participated in their activities. Some of these champions emphasized the Shi'ite way of life, while some others emphasized Iranian nationalism. Two types of zurkhaneh emerged: those that followed the traditions and rituals of the Sufi orders and those that followed the manners of the national champions of ancient Iran.


The religiously-oriented zurkhaneh developed rituals that mimicked the rituals and traditions of Sufi orders prevalent in different localities. Sufic terms like master (murshed), leader (pish kesvat), crown (taj), and poverty (faqr) are heard more often in these zurkhanehs than in the nationally-oriented zurkhanehs.

Every move in these zurkhanehs begins with praise of the Prophet and his family. The ethics of the religiously-oriented zurkhaneh, too, follow the ethics of the Sufi orders, to wit, the champion must be pure at heart; upon entering the pit, he must bend and ritually kiss the floor of the pit, and the like. During the exercises, eating, drinking, smoking, talking, and laughter are forbidden. Individuals who wish to enter the pit must have the murshed's permission (rukhsat). The murshed, if he approves, indicates his approval by saying "permission granted" (fursat).


Furthermore, in the religiously-oriented zurkhaneh, the ambiance is one of devotion to the Imam Ali and his descendants. The poetry recited is written specifically for that purpose. It is in praise of the Prophet and the imams, especially Imam Ali, and his son, Imam Hussein who was martyred at Karbala. The equipment they use, e.g., the metal shields (sang) are decorated with pictures of the Shi'ite saints. The "patron saint" of the religiously-oriented champions is Pouriya-ye Vali, an exemplary pahlavan from the region of Khwarazm (in present-day Republic of Uzbekistan). He is believed to have died circa 772 AH (AD 1370).

The lay champions, on the other hand, tend to emphasize Iran's ancient past. Although they use some of the same equipment, the ambiance of their zurkhaneh is nationalistic. The poetry their murshed recites, for instance, is from the Shahname (Book of Kings) of Firdausi. Additionally, the mythical champion on whose actions their deeds are modeled is Rustam, Iran's deathless hero who had rescued countless kings from peril and who had confronted and vanquished evil at every turn.

Membership at the zurkhaneh is by rank. The lowest rank is that of the nowcheh. This is an individual who is being trained by a designated champion. The next higher rank belongs to the nowkhasteh. This is a nowcheh who has made a substantial degree of progress under a designated champion. The third rank belongs to the palavan or tested champion. The leader of the champions is pahlavan-i pahlavanan (champion of champions). It is he who organizes the schedule for the exercises. As mentioned. the zurkhaneh also has a coach who is variously referred to as davar or murabbi. The rhythm for the exercises is set by the poetry recited by the murshed, as well as by the beat of the murshed's drum.

The uniform of the champions at the zurkhaneh consists of either a loin cloth or a pantaloon, or a tight pair of short pants made from leather or some durable material. The pants are usually decorated with beautiful embroidery. In ancient times, the athlete kissed the pants both at the beginning when he was putting them on and, at the end of the event, when he had taken them off.

The exercises are varied. They include wielding the mil (Indian 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 pishrav (novice). They end with a wrestling match between two tested pahlavans. This is the event that determines whether the current champion is able to defend and hold his title. Before the wrestling begins the murshed places some fragrant espand on the fire to divert the evil eye. Some champions, it should be added, wear arm bands containing appropriate prayers for the same reason.

The wrestling is accompanied by prayers invoking the prophet, the imams, and the ulema. It also includes supplication to Allah on behalf of the sick and the infirm in society. When wrestling, the contestants hold each other tightly by the cummerbund or the belt, each trying to force the other off balance. The objective is to make the opponent's shoulder touch the floor of the pit


The ethics of the zurkhaneh are based on manliness and bravery. Much of it, as it was mentioned earlier, is related to Shi'ite Islam, Sufic orders, and Iranian nationalism. The rules of the zurkhaneh forbid employment of any tricks that might belittle an opponent or humiliate him before the audience.

http://www.angelfire.com/rnb/bashiri...zurkhaneh.html

If our moderator thinks this thread belongs in the Sky Patogh then so be it

[shugs]

Some info on the actual martial art from Wikipedia:

Varzesh-e Pahlavani

Varzesh-e Pahlavani (Persian varzeš-e pahlavānī ورزش پهلوانی) meaning the "Sport of the Heroes", also known as Varzesh-e Bastani (Persian varzeš-e bāstnī ورزش باستانی), meaning the "Sport of the Ancients", is a traditional martial art of Iran, which was originally an academy of physical training for military purposes.

Varzesh-e Pahlavani combines elements of the pre-Islamic rituals of Zoroastrianism with the spirituality of Sufism, and distinctive Iranian culture. A proficient practitioner is known as a Pahlavān "Hero", a term derived from Pahlav "Parthian".[1]

History

The history of Varzesh-e Pahlavani can be traced back to the Arsacid Parthia (248 BCE-224 CE).[2] Similarities have been noted between rituals of Mithraism and Varzesh-e Pahlavani. (and between the structure of Mithraic temples Zourkhaneh).[3] With the arrival of Islam, Varzesh-e Pahlavani acquired philosophical and spiritual components indebted to Sufism.

The popularity of Varzesh-e Pahlavani reached its peak in the 19th century, in particular under Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar (1848-1896), with performances inspired by Persian mythology held at the Shah's court every 21 March (the Iranian new year). With the rise of the Pahlavi dynasty in the 1920s, the sport went into decline in the course of the modernisation campaign of Reza Shah, who saw the sport as a relic of Qajarite ritual. Reza Shah's son Mohammad Reza Pahlavi attempted to revive the tradition and practiced it himself, and during his reign, the last national competitions were held. Following the Iranian Revolution of 1979, the tradition again lapsed into obscurity.[4] There are, however, revival attempts in countries adjacent to Iran, including Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan.[5]

Titles

There are several types of Pahlavans:

* Pahlavan-e Pahlavanan meaning the Warrior of Warriors (Pahlavans of the Shah's courts/palaces. Many of these were the official Pahlavans of Iran).
* Pahlavan-e Zoorgar (Master wrestlers or strong men).
* Pahlavn-e Keshvar, (the national Pahlavan of Iran - Our modern wrestlers, many of them World and Olympic Champions as well as the winners of the Pahlavani "Bazoo-band" or Armlet).
* Pahlevan-e Bozorg or Bozorg Pahlavan (The Grand Warrior): It literally means Grand Pahlavan. The most equivalent title in the oriental martial arts could be the Grand Master. It is only given to two or three Pahlavans such as Pouriyay-e Vali and Hassan Razaz, also known as Pahlavan-e Bozorg Shoja'at.
* Jahan Pahlavan (the World Warrior): highest rank of Pahlavani in the Iranian army before the Arab invasion. A title given to Rostam, the legendary Pahlavan of Ferdowsi's Shah-nameh. The contemporary Gholamreza Takhti is another Pahlavan who is given this title.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varzesh-e_Pahlavani

[shugs]

HERODOTUS noted: “Young Persians learn horsemanship and archery and they are well trained in strength and endurance”.

Ardeshir Babakan (The first Sassanid king 224CE) made a law extending the practice of the Zour Khaneh and the arts of PAHLE VAN to all his subjects: “Conscious of military power, he sent messengers to the farthest corners of the country so that no father would allow his son to grow up without skill. He should know how to sit in a saddle and wage war, handle the club and the bow and arrow. “ Child, in applying yourself to these activities you will be protected from all weakness. Then you will come before the Shah with your body as hard as bronze, you will decorate his palace and his throne. When war comes you will leave the palace with the pahlevan”. Boxing was highly appreciated by the Iranians. Courageous men entered in lists and began their jousts with their prowess in handling the club, archery and sword fighting. If the two combatants remained equal during these first fights, wrestling was finally resorted to, to determine victory. Commanding chiefs of the armies and the generals of the highest repute periodically put their 19 rank and titles to test by taking part in these tournaments.

The ZOUR KHANEH: “House of Strength” has become a traditional institution where sports, aimed at toughening the body and preparing it for the hardships of battle, are practised.

Bástáni (Ancient) Instruments:

1. Kabadeh : The Bow

The kabadeh is inspired from the former war bows and resembles it, in that the combat bows were composed of a core of bone plates, reinforced with sinews and bent by means of a leather thong or sheep gut, whereas the exercise bow, the kabadeh, is a rod of iron, widened in the center to form a hand grip. Here the thong is replaced by a chain, generally with sixteen links each containing six discs. The string of links is attached to an iron rod which is the grip. The bow is gripped with both hands, kissed as a sign of respect, then raised above the head at arms length and balanced to the rhythm of the drum. If a pishkesvat who already has the title of “Master of the Bell” and “Master of the Drum”, participates in this sport at the same time as other gymnasts, then the narrator musician rings the bell, while chanting epic hemstitches. Then the bow is shaken in all directions. The bows weigh 10 to 50 kilograms. The most experienced gymnasts work with the heavy bows while they notices use the lighter ones. Not content to vigorous:

Shake their heavy and cumbersome instrument they complete the movement by turning on the spot. Then they pass the chain around their neck and, while completely letting go of the bow, turn once again dragging along the bow which descends in this turning movement, from the shoulders down to the hips. Then the turner picks up speed and bends down in such a way that when the bow reaches his ankle he jumps over it by throwing himself sideways.

2. Seng : Stony Shield

While the other athletes remain at their places in the pit, the one who has chosen to measure his strength with the seng lies down, either directly on the ground or on a cotton fabric with broad red and black stripes and which is also used as a bathing cloth, the long. Sometimes this slight discomfort is eased by putting a little cushion under the head and another under the elbows. In this position he takes hold of the weights — two pieces made of walnut wood and with a long parallel piped form. The edges are rounded and the center is pierced with a heart-shaped hole through which a horizontal iron bar is passed which serves as a handle. He then holds them at arms length in such a way that the curved upper portions meet. He turns alternately from one side to the other. When he leans to the left he raises his right arm as high as he is able and vice versa. To this rolling movement qualthan the athlete can add the tension of his leg mus*cles, while the weights form a bulwark on his chest. Thus the pieces of wood recall the great shields of the 16th century nal in the shape of a horse shoe and which were certainly cumbersome, though, much less so than the “seng” of the Iranian gym*nasium which weigh sixty to one hundred and twenty kilograms, are one hundred and twenty centimeters long and seventy centimeters wide. These figures excite admiration for such exploits and the self-mastery, which they represent.

3. Mil : the Club

Formally the mil were made of wood and iron-like maces, but today, they are cut of elm wood. They are characteristically symmetrical around the axis and bulge towards the top. There are two types of clubs: those reserved for training exercises and those for juggling. A pair of the first kind weigh from 5 to 40 kilograms and those for juggling from 4 to 6 kilograms. The handles of the heavy clubs are shorter than those of the juggling clubs.

The gymnasts take a pair of clubs from the edge of the pit where they have been neatly arranged and return to their places in the arena. The miândar who till now has led the game from the middle of the pit, suggests to each one of his companions to replace him. But normally this honor is declined and the miândar gives the signal to begin by placing the mil in the hollow of his shoulder.

[shugs]

Great Vid they train for part of it infront of Ferdowsi's tomb, such a testiment...

The video also goes into slightly the contrast between the Pahlavani and the Islamic forms...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...23&q=zurkhaneh

More to come...

[shugs]

Intro To Zurkhaneh By CNN

[mahdial_x5]

WOW man thanks for all the info!


really good thread!

[mahdial_x5]

MAN o MAAN but does it SMELL i can imagine!

[shugs]

That's such an old joke man

Yes, we are talking about a gymnasium not an "outhouse" (toilet)

Digeh inghad zoor nazan!

Ok enough toilet humour for one day.. This is a serious thread

[alitezar]

Kewllllllll thread

Thanks Shugs for putting all this info together

[mahdial_x5]

damet gaarmm shugs, zahmaat keshidii

akhhh ajaab goozi booodd

kk bebakhshidd, digeh, serious thread!

[alitezar]

he he

[avicenna]

great thread!

Some video from a Zoor Khaneh in Yazd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5e5e...related&search

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUvB2aeUzPU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2aYd...elated&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdK_K...elated&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm0Vo...elated&search=

[Shapoor]

مراسم کشتی سنتی باچوخه در اسفرای







I know this is not in a Zurakhaneh but it's the most relevant thread I could find for this.