TEHRAN – Chogan’s iconic match, an ancient Iranian horse riding game with music and storytelling, took place on Saturday in Isfahan’s huge UNESCO listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
This was part of a wide range of programs organized by the Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts in Isfahan to mark the National Cultural Heritage Week of Iran, which began on International Museum Day on May 18th.
Recognised as the world’s oldest known polo field, Naqsh-e Jahan Square provided an environment worthy of ritual matches.
Audiences, including both locals and international tourists, saw two teams from Isfahan take part in the symbolic chogan game. The program also featured Shahnameh reading performances and other cultural and artistic presentations.
The event was attended by the Secretary General of the Chaugan Federation, Director of Cultural Heritage of Isfahan, and Director of the NAQSH-e Jahan Square World Heritage Base.
Combining sports, music and storytelling, Chogan was engraved on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in the name of Iran in 2017. Historically played in royal courts and public squares, the game dates back more than two thousand years ago and continues to be a symbol of Iran’s rich intangible heritage.
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