Zanjir

Zanjir, transliterated from Persian زنجیر, is a word meaning chain or chain-like object. It is used in Persian, Urdu, and other languages of the region to refer to a physical chain, chain links, or anything arranged in a linked form. In a figurative sense, it can denote a sequence of elements tied together or a linked chain of events.

In cultural and religious contexts, zanjir denotes the ritual use of a chain in some Shia Muslim mourning practices during Muharram. Practitioners may use metal or wooden chains to strike the shoulders or backs as a sign of devotion and sorrow for Imam Husayn. The practice, often called zanjiri or zanjir-zani, varies by community; it is subject to safety concerns and has been regulated or restricted in some places due to potential injuries and public health considerations.

The term also appears in geographic and personal-name contexts within Persian-speaking regions, and as a component in various toponyms and surnames. It is sometimes used in compound forms to describe linked items or relationships in a more abstract sense.