Saheb Al-Zaman Zurkhaneh, located in the historical city of Yazd, is a unique attraction that offers a glimpse into ancient Persian sports. The building, resembling a standing egg from the inside and crowned with five badgirs, was originally a water reservoir built in 1580. Today, it serves as a zurkhaneh where gentlemen practice an ancient sport using heavy wooden clubs to build muscle.
Why you should go
1
Experience a traditional Persian gym with unique exercises using historical tools like bows and shields
2
Witness live performances with rhythmic drumming between 17:00 and 20:00
3
Explore the history of Zurkhaneh as a training ground for soldiers during invasions
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At the Zurkaneh gym men of all ages, from young boys to elderly men, come to exercise. The gym tools all look like middle-age weapons, such as bows and shields. One man, sitting outside the gym floor, sings and plays the drums. He gives the rythm to do the different exercises.
You can see these performances between 17:00 and 20:00.
Really interesting and beautiful in a way. A traditional Persian training initially for soldiers. When the Arabs invaded Persia these centres served as secret meeting places to keep soldiers trained. Dont forget to see the water supply underneath! Just follow the signs, to the stairs below the stand of the musicians.
Really enjoyed the local sports performance. It is quite touristic though. In addition it is possible to take a look at the water reservoir, which is under the place.
At the Zurkaneh gym men of all ages, from young boys to elderly men, come to exercise. The gym tools all look like middle-age weapons, such as bows and shields. One man, sitting outside the gym floor, sings and plays the drums. He gives the rythm to do the different exercises.
You can see these performances between 17:00 and 20:00.
Really interesting and beautiful in a way. A traditional Persian training initially for soldiers. When the Arabs invaded Persia these centres served as secret meeting places to keep soldiers trained. Dont forget to see the water supply underneath! Just follow the signs, to the stairs below the stand of the musicians.
Really enjoyed the local sports performance. It is quite touristic though. In addition it is possible to take a look at the water reservoir, which is under the place.
Check performance times between 17:00 and 20:00 to catch live shows at their peak
Follow signs to access stairs leading below to see the ancient water reservoir
Entry fee is around 100,000 Rials which includes access to both performances and reservoir viewing
For a more atmospheric experience, consider visiting Saheb Al-Zaman Zurkhaneh at night when it's beautifully lit up from outside
Reviews
Saheb Al-Zaman Zurkhaneh in Yazd is a traditional Persian gym where men of all ages gather to exercise using tools resembling middle-age weapons. Visitors can witness performances between 17:00 and 20:00, accompanied by drumming rhythms. The gym was initially used for training soldiers and served as secret meeting places during the Arab invasion. Tourists can explore the ancient sport of Zirkaneh, enjoy local sports performances, and visit the old water reservoir underneath the gym.
At the Zurkaneh gym men of all ages, from young boys to elderly men, come to exercise. The gym tools all look like middle-age weapons, such as bows and shields. One man, sitting outside the gym floor, sings and plays the drums. He gives the rythm to do the different exercises.
You can see these performances between 17:00 and 20:00.
Really interesting and beautiful in a way. A traditional Persian training initially for soldiers. When the Arabs invaded Persia these centres served as secret meeting places to keep soldiers trained. Dont forget to see the water supply underneath! Just follow the signs, to the stairs below the stand of the musicians.
Really enjoyed the local sports performance. It is quite touristic though. In addition it is possible to take a look at the water reservoir, which is under the place.
You can see the ancient sport of Zirkaneh here. They are very welcoming and interesting. 100,000 Rials for entry also includes a look down at the old water reservoir underneath.
It was my first time being at a Zurkhaneh which is a kind of a traditional Iranian gym. This one used to be a water supply in the past then Zurkhaneh was built above it some years ago. Now you can visit the old water supply and their performance. Just make sure to check their performance times and then give there a visit.