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Varzesh-e Pahlavani or Varzesh-e Bastani (The ancient sports) is an Iranian national sport which is composed of a series of body building techniques that are accompanied with wrestling. In addition to physical training of the body, chivalry, courtesy and bravery are of great importance in this sport. Varzesh-e Pahlavani is normally practiced in Zurkhaneh where different tools (e.g. Meel, Kabbadeh, Sang and Takhteh Shena) are utilized for training. The trained sportsmen of Varzesh-e Pahlavani are called Pahlavan (literally Athlete).
Varzesh-e Pahlavani was originally designed as a kind of martial art in ancient Persia and played a great role in Iranian public resistance against the foreign invaders during the history. Since its origins it has acquired components of the moral, ethical, philosophical, and mystical values of the Iranian civilization. As a result, Varzesh-e Pahlavani emerged as a unique institution having incorporated the spiritual richness of Sufism, traditional rituals of Mithraism, and heroism of Iranian nationalism.
Many Iranian great wrestlers (e.g. Takhti) were exercisers of this sport.
History and Origins
Timeline
The history of traditional Iranian martial arts can be divided into four major epochs. There are gaps between these epochs. However, at certain periods there is no mention of Varzesh-e Pahlavani. During these periods the status of the sport is regarded with uncertainty, however it is assumed that the sport continued but as a non-dominant factor in culture.Mythical Era
This era is based on Ferdowsi's work in Shahnameh, the Book of Kings. The mythical Pahlavans of this era are fighting against the evil forces. Sometimes the result of a war, and eventually the fate of the countries involved in the war, was determined in a hand-to-hand combat, also known as Koshti (wrestling). The legendary Pahlavan of this era is Rostam who was constantly saving Iran from the evil forces. In the left portrait Rostam is fighting with Ashkaboos, a Touranian army general. We have adopted this image as the icon representing the Mythical Era.Parthian Empire
The Varzesh-e Pahlevani also be seen in the Parthian Empire (132 - 226 BC) where it was further developed as a martial training system to prepare warriors for their duties. During this period, Mithraism reached its peak and many of Varzesh-e Pahlavani rituals resemble those of Mithraism.Islamic Era
Until the rise of Islam in Iran the Varzesh-e Pahlavani was purely an academy of physical training. However, with introduction of Islam to Iran and its school of Shi'sm some four hundred years later during the Safavid Dynasty, new enriching dimensions were added to Varzesh-e Pahlavani. These dimensions were philosophy and spirituality of Islam. Sufism was the medium for these dimensions to express themselves.Contemporary Era
Some of the most famous Pahlavans of all time appeared in the contemporary era (1800-Present). Examples are Pahlavan-e Bozorg Razaz, Pahlavan Boloorforoush, Pahlavan Toosi and Jahan Pahlavan Takhti. Varzesh-e Pahlavani reached its peak during the reign of Naser-e-din Shah of Qajar (1848-1896). During this period many Zurkhanehs were built in Tehran and throughout Iran. The official Pahlavan of Iran was determined on March 21st of each year (the first day of the Iranian new year) in a wrestling competition conducted in front of the Shah, and the Shah himself would give the Pahlavani Armlet (Bazoo-band) to the champion of the competition.
With the rise of the Pahlavi dynasty the sport suffered a decline. The new Shah of Iran, Reza Shah, did not show any interest in the sport and believed it to be a relic of Qajar ceremonies. Reza Shah belived in transforming Iran into a western society, and saw any reference to the past traditions of the country as a point of conflict with his Western ideals.
His son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, became the Shah in 1941, he restored what was left of Pahlavani tradition. The new Shah was an avid sport man himself and was a good football player in his formative years. It was during this Shah that final Pahlavani wrestling contests were held in his Majesty's presence, and he would personally give the Pahlavani Armlet to the Pahlavan of the nation. Unfortunately, the tradition was harmed immensely when he appointed Shaban Jafari (also known as Shaban "the Brainless") to run the Pahlavani Federation.
Furthermore in an effort to break with traditions, popularise the sport, and drive forward Iranian nationalism the government of Iran incorrectly re-labeled the sport as Varzesh-e Bastani (Farsi: The National Sport).
Following the revolution support for Varzesh-e Pahlavani as the Islamic authorities of Iran started to view it with suspicion.
Modern Wrestling
Attributes
Sufism - Mind Building
Body Building
Transition to Modern Wrestling
Schools of Pahlavani
The Pahlavani tradition promotes ethical and moral values and the disciples of this school are to observe certain codes. Some of these are humbleness, generosity, virtuosity, charity and mercy. Also, respect for law, humanitarian conduct, bravery, and safeguarding of national traditions are important aspects of this brotherhood.
Traditionally a Pahlavan and his followers used to protect neighborhoods and eventually villages or cities. Each school of Pahlavani has its own unique characteristics based on the culture of a specific region of Iran. They all promote similar ethical and moral values. However, they differ slightly in wrestling techniques and exercises.
Tehran/Rey
Khorasan
Yazd
Qum
Mazandaran
Western Regions
Kurdistan
Lorestan
Present Status
What Is Left
Misconceptions, Misinformation and Misrepresentations
If there is one tradition in the Iranian sports and her social structure that has been misrepresented the most, both in Iran and abroad specially before the eyes of the Western scholars, it is the Varzesh-e PahlavaniPahlavi Regime: The tradition was harmed immensely when he appointed Shaban Jafari (also known as Shaban "the Brainless") to run the Pahlavani Federation, right after the 1953 coup de'ta. Shaban Jafari was one player in the 1953 coup de'ta that eventually toppled the legitimate and popular government of Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh. It is reported that Shaban Jafari used to lead a group of thugs in Tehran who disrupted mass gatherings on the streets by threatening people's lives. As late as 2002 there is also an opinion that he was already put in the prison by government authorities on the day of the coup de'ta because of his leading street gang operation. Whatever his whereabouts on the day of coup de'ta, it is a fact accepted by all parties that this person was a street thug.
By appointing an unwanted and unpopular character to lead the federation, the Shah caused the most harm to this ancient, peaceful, spiritual and national institution. A revered sport organization was to be run by a thug. This was a big blow to the traditional Iranian sector that made up the majority of Zoorkhaneh practioners - the same people who always supported the Pahlavani movement.
Forgotten Traditions
What is not Varzesh-e Pahlavani
Tools (Apparatus)
Meel
Kabadeh
Sang
Takhteh Shena
The Venue (Zoorkhaneh)
Structure
Tradition of Entering Zoorkhaneh
Class of People inside Zoorkhaneh
Pish-kesvat
Mian-dar
Morshed
Ceremonies
Pahlavan Attire
Music in Zoorkhaneh
Instruments
Rhythmic Moves
Famous Pahlevans
See also
External links
"Varzesh-e Pahlavani"