ABSTRACT
The zErkhAna, the gymnasium where the so-called “ancient exercises” (warzish-i bAstAnC ) are performed, provides an intriguing insight into the nature of modern Iranian jawAnmardC and Sufism (and also Iranian identity), and serves as a good example of how the forces of tradition wrestle with those of change. The investigation of the zErkhAna in contemporary Iran may be undertaken from the perspectives of different social sciences, and the analysis in this chapter touches on anthropological, sociological and political themes.1 It also provides an introduction to a topic that is worthy of extended field-work and research,2 and gives an indication of the significance that the zErkhAna holds for many Iranians, whether as an important sporting institution, a treasury of traditional Iranian heritage, or an old-fashioned organisation that has little relevance to the contemporary situation in Iran. I shall also highlight some of the most recent developments and proposals for reform in this institution.
