Buzkashi

Buzkashi is the name of a national and traditional sport in Afghanistan. Buzkashi means to haul a goat, in this play experts and hardy horsemen are competing with each other to win the game. This sport is not only known in Afghanistan but in Central Asia in countries like: Tajikistan, Uzbekistan or Turkmenistan.

There is no history background about Buzkashi but in some history records it was mentioned that first matches of Buzkashi were related to King Changez Age from 11th century. Some people believe that first matches were related to the time of Alexander campaigns. It is also said that for the first time this game was played near to Oxus when horses were used as a fight tool. Therefore, it means that from fighting it has been changed into a sport.

Buzkashi sport supported by previous governments in Afghanistan, as in Muhammad Zahir Shah period Buzkashi matches were celebrated along with the birth of emperors.

In the game there is no principle for registration of players, anyone can enter to ground with their horse. There is no limit in the width of the ground, but Olympic office of Afghanistan has size the ground in 350 to 350 meter square. The ground of Buzkashi sport has two main places: the first place is acalled "Helal circle" and the second place is the flag. The flag is placed with a specific distance in front of the Helal circle.

The custom is that before playing the game, a calf or a big goat should be killed and then the killer cuts its head, arms from the elbows and legs from the knees off. The body of the animal will be put into cold water for 24 hours to become more heavy. Sometimes, for making the match even more challenging the body is filled with stones. The next step is to place the body in the middle of the ground and the game can start. The people who are playing in this game are called Chapandaz (horseman).

The horsemen combat with each other to get the animal's body, they encircle the animal, pick it up, cross from the flag and then they should threw it into Helal circle.

The value of Buzkashi horses is much higher, especially Qataghan Horse which is the most famous and can reach the higest price. Buzkashi matches are celebrated in national days, national parties, Nowruz and other important days. The sport is done in Spring and Fall seasons because of temperate weather.

Source: http://www.bitlanders.com/blogs/buzkashi/78781

Mohammad Elias Hatimi