Iran's 'Ancient Sport' Not A Man's World Anymore

Iran's "ancient sport" -- or "varzesh bastani" -- a traditional form of athletics that combines elements of Islam and ancient Persian beliefs, has long been a male-only domain.

But not so much anymore. In recent years, an increasing number of women have taken on the discipline.

The sport is also referred to as "varzesh pahlavani," meaning the sport of heroes. It includes strength exercises, wrestling, and Sufi-like whirling to the sound of drumbeats and epic poems recited by the so-called "morshed" -- a master who leads the rituals inside a traditional gym known as "zurkhaneh," or "house of strength."

Now women are facing opposition from those who claim that varzesh bastani and zurkhaneh belong to men and that the presence of women violates its sanctity.

Those critics say only men should be allowed to perform the ancient rituals believed to have been originally aimed at training warriors and instilling them with a code of ethics.

https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-ancient-sport-not-a-mans-world-anymore/30677598.html