Zurkhaneh Tour 2014 parts 2 3 4 ‘한국어 번역‘
The Ancient City of Shiraz
The ancient city of Shiraz is in south-central Iran, known for its literary history (Hafez and Sa’adi), viticulture and many beautiful gardens. Until the Islamic revolution, Iran had a tradition of wine-making that stretched back centuries centred in Shiraz.
The Zurkhaneh Starts Late in the Evening
Due to the daytime heat in Shiraz the Zurkhaneh starts late, 9:30 PM to be precise. It was a 20-minute walk to the venue.
The streets were wide and full of evening traffic, we disappeared into the dimly lit narrow alleyways that led us to this Zurkhaneh. The entrance was a narrow tiny door followed by a very steep spiral staircase barely wide enough for one person to go up or down.
My Zurkhaneh Tour was organised by the Iran Tour Center.
Friendly Handshakes
Once inside we were welcomed with very friendly handshakes, as more people arrived, they all came up to welcome us plus lots more handshaking.
Three Uncut Videos
I made three uncut videos during this visit, so you can see everything in detail from start to finish. If you look closely you will see many variations on each exercise discipline.
Morshed
All three videos were filmed as I was sat next to the Morshed (Master and Drummer controlling the exercises), and you can see a dialogue between the Morshed and the Pahlavans as the evening’s events develop.
Drum Skin and Fire
Even though the ambient temperature was high, the Morshed sat in front of an electric fire, which was turned on full blast. The reason is, that the heat softens the drum skin, and makes the percussion sound better. The drumming and sung poetry resonate throughout the building, and even though I was sat watching, I felt very much part of the evening’s events.
Shena Pushups
The first video features many variations of SHENA pushup exercises. The whole Shena pushup session lasts 12 minutes. It is shown uncut.
Stretching
The second video shows STRETCHING Zurkhaneh style with many variations lasting 19 minutes. It is shown uncut.
Persian Meels
The third and final video focuses on PERSIAN MEELS, an uncut complete session lasting 10 minutes. Watch the Pahlavan in the orange polo shirt, as he gives a great display of a variety of meel swings. The Morshed is shown at the beginning and end of this video.
Hi Paul! Thanks for your video and article, really liked it. Can I ask, where was this Zurkhaneh that you visited in Shiraz? Would like to visit as well but not sure where to go? 🙁
Hi Matt, This is a really old Zurkhaneh, and well worth a visit.
Pooland Zurkhaneh, Taleghani Street, Shiraz, behind VAKIL HAMAM inside the mall.
The position is away from the main street, about 5 mins, so you have to walk there. You need to find someone who knows the area well.
They train really late, like 9pm onwards, but go for 7.30pm.
Enjoy
Hi Paul, cheers for the reply! I’ll certainly visit and let you know how it goes 🙂 You wouldn’t happen to know any wrestling gyms in Shiraz by any chance? It’s another aspect I am super interested in!
Hi Matt, I can’t help you with wrestling gyms as my focus was learning about clubs (Persian Meels), however wrestling is very much part of the Zurkhaneh and I am sure if you ask around you will find what you are looking for. The Persians are incredibly friendly and willing to help.