During the Persian Empire era, zurkhaneh, which translates to “House of Strength,” served as a facility akin to a gym. It was focused on training men for warfare and instilling a strong sense of national pride, preparing them for potential battles ahead. Today, fewer than 500 of these traditional training centers still exist in Iran. Consequently, local athletes are actively working to safeguard this cultural legacy and transmit it to future generations.
Founded approximately 700 years ago by Mahmoud Marouf, Zurkhaneh holds sacred significance for athletes practicing various Pahlevani exercises. Pahlevani is an ancient sport combining bodybuilding, agility, traditional music, dramatic art, and religious devotion. In this discipline, a Pahlevan, or true champion, is not merely defined by victories over opponents but also by their adherence to moral principles. Throughout history, the ethics, character, and lifestyle of warriors and wrestlers illustrate that while some bear the title of champion, others authentically embody it. Therefore, some, known in Iran as pahlevan, are eternal and some are soon forgotten.
Puria Vali, a renowned warrior, mystic, and poet from Khwarazm, integrated the Zurkhaneh sport with principles of brotherhood and Sufism during the 14th century A.D. He possessed exceptional martial arts and wrestling skills, remaining undefeated in his time. Traveling across Islamic lands, he engaged in wrestling matches with various rivals. Vali exemplified a life of simplicity, aiding the disadvantaged and disregarding the superficial allure of worldly possessions, thus exerting a profound influence on mysticism. Revered for centuries, he is regarded as one of the most influential champions, credited with shaping many traditions in Pahlevani wrestling. His final resting place is apparently in the city of Khoy in West Azerbaijan, frequented by the disciples who still continue his path.
Pahlevani wrestling stands out as the pinnacle of Zurkhaneh sports and is recognized as the precursor to modern wrestling worldwide. Selecting the nation’s foremost wrestler held immense sporting intrigue and social ramifications in earlier times. The Safavid and Zand periods marked the zenith of Zurkhaneh wrestling. A golden age of the practice.
In zurkhaneh, men engage in rhythmic movements with intense fervor, employing symbolic tools reminiscent of ancient weaponry. Initially, their vigorous motions and chants may appear theatrically exaggerated, yet it becomes evident that these rituals are integral to the ceremonial traditions of pahlevani.
The sport primarily occurs in the gowd, a spacious lower-level area situated within Zurkhaneh’s main hall, evoking a battlefield-like atmosphere and holding significant reverence. Traditionally, gowds are octagonal, hexagonal, or quadrangular in shape, each design embodying specific reasons and philosophies. Today, gowds are typically constructed in the form of equilateral octagons, adhering to the standardized format.
Training typically commences in the afternoon, once participants have completed their daily work and gathered at Zurkhaneh. Pahlevani unfolds akin to a ceremonial ritual, with athletes removing their shoes and washing their hands upon entering the training area. Before each session, they drink tea. Numerous other customs are observed in zurkhaneh, such as assisting the less fortunate, showing reverence to all upon entering and exiting, and more. Notably, the doors of zoorkhaneh are deliberately constructed shorter than average human height, prompting everyone to bow as they enter and exit, symbolizing humility and modesty.
Zurkhaneh serves a significant societal function for men, providing a venue for discussing politics, religion, and sports. Many athletes have forged long-term relationships and find comfort in sharing their thoughts and feelings within its walls. However, political discussions promptly cease when the morshed, the guide of zurkhaneh, initiates rhythmic music on the zarb (drum) and calls the athletes to assemble. Positioned as the leader within zurkhaneh, the morshed oversees the group, directing the athletes as they synchronize their movements to the drum’s cadence in the arena.
The central segment of a pahlevani session focuses on weightlifting, prominently featuring the use of wooden clubs known as mil, metal shields called sang, and a kabbadeh, an iron bow adorned with metal rings and coin-like pieces. Following this, participants engage in exercises such as Sufi whirling and juggling. These activities aim to enhance strength, cultivate discipline, and promote values like sportsmanship, modesty, altruism, and chivalry, all while emphasizing the rejection of arrogance and violence.
Pahlevani sport is renowned for the profound respect and courtesy observed among its athletes, embodying numerous principles and norms. For instance, all actions are conducted with the consent and guidance of the elders of Zurkhaneh. The ethos of this ancient sport revolves around the “cultivation of the human body and mind.” To such an extent, Shiites consider Zurkhaneh a secondary place of worship. However, these customs and traditions have largely faded in the newer generation of athletes.
Traditionally, zurkhaneh operates without charging its athletes, relying instead on public donations. In return, it offers community services and protection. Participants, devout in their belief in Allah, regularly chanted praises to Him and Prophet Mohammad during each session. They also pray for the well-being of every attendee and their families, regardless of social status, wealth, or sect. Pahlevani sport uniquely integrates aspects of pre-Islamic Persian culture with the spirituality of Shia Islam and Sufism. This distinctive blend exemplifies Iranian adaptability and tolerance, fostering harmony among diverse ethnic groups, languages, and cultures that peacefully coexist within Iranian society.
Zurkhaneh transcends mere spectacle of synchronized wrestling. It serves as a sanctum where groups of men uphold a sacred legacy, diligently passing it on to future generations just as it was passed down to them. Fathers, acting as mentors, impart the skills and etiquette of pahlevani to their sons, alongside crucial moral principles. Many of these “athletes” lead ordinary lives as employees, shopkeepers, or drivers. However, upon entering zurkhaneh, a profound transformation occurs. They assume roles as warriors, worshippers, heroes, and poets; a transformation that is both captivating and emancipating.