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Draft:Pahlavan Haj Rahim Najarpour

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Pahlavan Haj Rahim Najarpour

Pahlavan Haj Rahim Najarpour (1924–1994) (Persian: پهلوان حاج رحیم نجارپور) was an Iranian practitioner of Varzesh-e Pahlavani , a traditional form of wrestling and physical training rooted in Persian culture.[1] He operated Daleiran Zurkhaneh, a well-known "house of strength" located in Isfahan, Iran.[2] Recognized with the title of Pahlavan (champion wrestler), Najarpour contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of this ancient sport.[3]

Early Life

Haj Rahim Najarpour was born in 1924 in Isfahan, Iran.[2] From a young age, he trained in Varzesh-e Pahlavani , a discipline that combines physical exercise with moral and spiritual development.[4] Over time, he achieved proficiency in Koshti Pahlavani ("heroic wrestling"), which earned him recognition within his community.[3] Najarpour's rise to prominence included defeating challengers in local competitions, a key step in attaining the title of Pahlavan .[5]

Career and Contributions

Najarpour established Daleiran Zurkhaneh in the Darvazeno neighborhood of northern Isfahan.[2] This institution became a center for athletes practicing Varzesh-e Pahlavani , attracting participants from both within and outside Iran.[6] Under his leadership, the Zurkhaneh played a role in training young athletes and preserving the traditions of Iranian martial arts.[3]

In addition to his athletic contributions, Najarpour was involved in social welfare initiatives. Historical accounts suggest that he provided assistance to those in need, aligning with the ethical principles of Javanmardi (chivalry and moral excellence) central to Zurkhaneh culture.[1]

Legacy

Pahlavan Haj Rahim Najarpour is remembered as a significant figure in the history of Varzesh-e Pahlavani .[7] His efforts contributed to the global recognition of Zurkhaneh sports, which have since spread to numerous countries.[6] Daleiran Zurkhaneh continues to operate as a cultural and athletic institution, attracting visitors interested in Iran's traditional sports heritage.[2]

Death

On April 10, 1994, Pahlavan Haj Rahim Najarpour passed away at the age of 70 due to a heart attack while practicing traditional sports at his Zurkhaneh .[5] His funeral was attended by a large gathering of athletes, residents of Isfahan, and admirers from across Iran.[2]

References

The Zurkhaneh Tradition: A Sociological Study of Iranian Traditional Wrestling. Iranian Ministry of Sports and Youth: The Iranian government's official body responsible for promoting traditional sports like Koshti Pahlavani . Website: www.mcls.gov.ir . Iran's intangible cultural heritage, including Koshti Pahlavani . Website: www.ichto.ir . IRNA (Islamic Republic News Agency): The official state news agency of Iran, which often covers cultural topics like Koshti Pahlavani . Website: www.irna.ir . Tasnim News Agency: Covers cultural and traditional events in Iran. Website: www.tasnimnews.com . Foltz, Richard. Iranian Identity in the Making: Essays on Ancient Persia . The Spirit of Pahlavani Wrestling by local Iranian historians or cultural experts. Works by Dr. Mohsen Khalili, an Iranian scholar who has written extensively on Zurkhaneh and Pahlavani traditions. BBC, National Geographic, Iranian media outlets about Iranian traditional wrestling. The Last Pahlavans , which explores the tradition of Zurkhaneh and Koshti Pahlavani . YouTube Channels: Official channels of Iranian cultural organizations or sports federations that showcase Koshti Pahlavani . World Zurkhaneh Sports Federation (WZSF): An international organization dedicated to promoting Zurkhaneh and Pahlavani wrestling globally. Website: www.wzsf.org . Koshti Pahlavani and Zurkhaneh rituals are recognized as part of Iran's intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Website: ich.unesco.org . Pahlevani and Zoorkhaneh Rituals in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. IRNA. "Promoting Traditional Wrestling in Iran." Islamic Republic News Agency. Herodotus. Ancient Persian texts or travelers' accounts that mention wrestling traditions in Iran. Doctor H Nik (talk) 19:09, 19 April 2025 (UTC)

References

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  1. ^ a b "Pahlevani and Zoorkhaneh Rituals". UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Retrieved October 2023. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e "Promoting Traditional Wrestling in Iran". Islamic Republic News Agency. Retrieved October 2023. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  3. ^ a b c Khalili, Mohsen (2010). The Spirit of Pahlavani Wrestling. Tehran: Local Iranian Historians.
  4. ^ Foltz, Richard (2015). Iranian Identity in the Making: Essays on Ancient Persia. London: Routledge.
  5. ^ a b "Exploring the Legacy of Pahlavans". Tasnim News Agency. Retrieved October 2023. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  6. ^ a b "World Zurkhaneh Sports Federation". WZSF. Retrieved October 2023. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  7. ^ "The Ancient Sport of Pahlavani Wrestling". BBC. Retrieved October 2023. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
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