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Saheb-a Zaman Zurkhaneh - Yazd

Saheb-a Zaman Zurkhaneh is a body building club in Yazd, it is located close to Amir Chakhmaq Square. The word ‘zurkhaneh‘ in Persian means the House of Strength or bodybuilding Club in other words.

The tradition of zurkhaneh itself is few thousand years old and it is used by the locals to train for the unarmed combat. Current zurkhaneh is housed inside an old water reservoir (aab anbar) which was built around 1580. Some areas of the water reservoir are used as the changing rooms for the body builders and wrestlers. 

A sign above Saheb-a Zaman Zurkhaneh
Ceiling of the zurkhaneh
It is a Iranian version of old gym
Current zurkhaneh is housed inside an old water reservoir
Current zurkhaneh is housed inside an old water reservoir
Some areas of the water reservoir are used as the changing rooms
A simple changing room inside the zurkhaneh
A protective net was placed over the old water reservoir
This sign points to participants to have the wudhu (ablution) before entering the arena
This sign points towars Qibla for offering prayers inside the zurkhaneh

 

A commentary is broadcasted from the club and this zurekhaneh of Yazd has featured in many TV programs and documentaries well. Murshad (master) sits in a high chair and he oversees the proceedings. Training sessions usually start in the evening. There was a large collection of photos on the walls of the club and some of photos of the historical Jawanmard (gentlemen) are displayed on the wall.

View of the main arena with few seats around it
A commentary is broadcasted from this area
Drums are used to make the atmosphere bit more dramatic
This photo shows a typical training scene from the zurkhaneh
There are many clubs used by the participants to enhance their strength
These clubs were decorated with Iran's national colours
Photos on the walls of the club
Training sessions usually start in the evening
This guy in the photo was the current Murshad when I visited the Saheb-a Zaman Zurkhaneh in Yazd
An old and crumbling bilding in front of the zurkhaneh