Tehran, 30 December 2006 (CHN Foreign Desk) -- According to representative of International Federation of Traditional Sports (Zurkhaneh) in Germany, the plan for construction of a gymnasium for the Iranian ancient sport of Zurkhaneh in Hamburg has been prepared and will be performed in a near future.

 

Zurkhaneh is an ancient Iranian sport whose origin goes back to nearly 2000 years ago. The word Zurkhaneh literary means ‘house of power’ and refers to both the sport itself and the place it is practiced.

 

“More than 3000 Euro has been spent so far for introducing the ancient sport of Zurkhaneh to the Germans. It is anticipated that with the support of the private sector and the International Federation of Zurkhaneh Sports, a Zurkhaneh will be launched in the Islamic Center of Hamburg in a near future,” said Ali Nejati, representative of International Federation of Zurkhaneh Sports in Germany. 

 

Nejati further explained that since Hamburg’s Islamic Center is located in an area that is a popular tourist center, this part has been considered for constructing a Zurkhaneh to give foreigners and tourists the chance to become familiar with this ancient Iranian sport. 

 

“Since two years ago, special gymnasiums for Zurkhaneh sports have been launched in some European countries including Germany. During this period, many Europeans, mostly young adults, have shown a lot of interest to learn this ancient sport. We believe that this sport would attract even more people if introduced properly,” added Nejati.

 

Zurkhaneh is the Iranian traditional gymnasium dating back to 2000 years ago. It is the place where rituals of Varzesh-e Pahlavani (heroic sport) are practiced. Zurkhaneh was originally an academy of physical training and a nursery for warriors against foreign invaders similar to Korean, Japanese and Chinese martial arts.

 

Throughout its existence, Zurkhaneh was enriched with different components of moral, ethical, philosophical, and mystical values of Persian civilization. As a result, Varzesh-e Pahlavani or Zurkhaneh emerged as unique institution having incorporated the spiritual richness of Sufism, traditional rituals of Mithraism, and heroism of Iranian nationalism.

 

 

Soudabeh Sadigh

foreigndesk@chn.ir