Source: Press TV

Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Organization (ICHTO) has registered Zurkhaneh rituals on its National Heritage list.

Zurkhaneh (house of strength) is an ancient Persian gymnasium where
the Sport of Heroes, which combines pre-Islamic Persian culture with
the spirituality of Sufism, is practiced.

 "Zurkhaneh sporting rituals have been transmitted from generation to generation without losing their cultural, spiritual and historical elements," said ICHTO deputy director, Fariborz Dowlatabadi.

"The traditional rituals have been registered as Iran's ninth National Spiritual Heritage," he said, adding, "Zurkhaneh sporting rituals are deeply rooted in Persian history and promote morality and spirituality."

Zurkhaneh (house of strength) is an ancient Persian gymnasium where the Sport of Heroes, which combines pre-Islamic Persian culture with the spirituality of Sufism, is practiced.

The place is a unique sports club, where a man's physical improvement is considered vital for spiritual enlightenment.

The rituals of the Sport of Heroes date back to the Parthian era and symbolize Persian ideals about spiritual growth, masculinity, religious devotion and physical prowess.