Zurkhaneh

Zurkhaneh, meaning "house of strength" in Persian, is a traditional gymnasium in Iran where practitioners train in varzesh-e bastani, a Persian martial art that combines wrestling, calisthenics, and strength training. The practice emphasizes physical conditioning, agility, endurance, and moral development, often within a ritual framework that emphasizes discipline, humility, and communal solidarity.

Historically, zurkhaneh practices are linked to ancient Persian martial traditions and Sufi influences, though they have evolved through the medieval and early modern periods. In the 20th century additional modernization occurred, and in 2010 UNESCO inscribed the broader tradition under varzesh-e bastani as intangible cultural heritage. Today, zurkhaneh persists in many Iranian cities and in diaspora communities.

Inside the gym, the session typically unfolds in a circular order around a central performance area or pit. Participants perform a sequence of calisthenics, strength drills, and wrestling-based exercises, often guided by a senior trainer and accompanied by rhythmic music played on traditional drums. The rituals may include chants, invocations, and symbolic acts intended to cultivate courage, restraint, and social ethics.

While largely a cultural and sporting tradition, varzesh-e bastani and zurkhaneh remain living practices in some regions, with efforts to preserve and promote them as part of Iran's intangible cultural heritage and national identity.