SAEDNEWS: Chogan, the ancient Persian horse-riding game, will be revived at Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, featuring music and storytelling.
According to SAEDNEWS, The Isfahan Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department, together with the Isfahan Municipality, is working on organizing Chogan, a traditional equestrian game with music and storytelling, to be held at Naqsh-e Jahan Square, according to the department's director general.
Amir Karamzadeh mentioned that the northern section of Naqsh-e Jahan Square has been designated as the site for the Chogan game. He added that the event will follow a fixed timetable, ensuring that the square's architectural integrity and visual identity are maintained, and necessary infrastructure is in place.
Chogan, inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is globally recognized as polo. The term "polo" is derived from the Tibetan word "Pulu," referring to the willow root used to make the game’s balls.
Currently, over 77 countries host Chogan competitions. This traditional equestrian game, enriched with music and storytelling, has been a part of Iranian culture for over two millennia, primarily played in royal courts and urban areas.
Chogan is regarded as the world’s first team sport and ball game, and today is known as the fastest team sport globally. Its origins date back to 600 BC in ancient Persia.
Historically considered a game of the elite, it was played in dedicated fields on specially trained horses. Today, Chogan continues to be practiced in Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan.
In the game, two teams of riders aim to pass a ball through the opponent's goalposts using wooden sticks. The game involves three main components: the game itself, a musical performance, and storytelling. The participants include players, storytellers, and musicians.
UNESCO recognizes Chogan as a cultural, artistic, and athletic expression deeply intertwined with the identity and history of its practitioners. Its influence can be seen in literature, proverbs, crafts, and symbolic ornaments, which are integral to its practitioners’ culture.
The game’s origins in Persia eventually spread west to Constantinople, eastward through Bactria and Afghanistan to Tibet, China, and Japan, and later to India, where it flourished under the Mughal dynasty. Historically, it was favored by generals, warriors, and royalty as a means of training cavalry for battle.
