OUR LAST EVENT
SEATTLE, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, MAY 14th 2026
'' I am an Iranian woman who migrated from Iran more than 10 years ago. Attending the Zoorkhaneh event was especially meaningful to me because it was the first time I saw this beautiful ancient Iranian sport performed live. In Iran, women are not allowed to enter Zoorkhanehs, so this experience was something I never had access to before. This event made it possible not only to witness it, but also to learn about Zoorkhaneh at a deeper level, which felt both powerful and emotional for me.''
'' I really appreciated how welcoming and inclusive the event felt. It created a space where people could connect, learn and celebrate culture in a meaningful way.''
'' The performance by the talented performer was absolutely jaw-dropping and incredible. She clearly has deep expertise in her craft. I am truly proud of Iranian women who uplift, promote, and support one another.''
'' Very grateful for the opportunity to participate!''
POCAST EPISODE
“We are Zoorkhaneh: Building Community through Ancient Persian Sport”
Listen to our podcast episode in collaboration with UW Global Sport Lab
Farnoush Djavaheripour is one of the only women who teaches the ancient Persian sport and practice of Zoorkhaneh (also known as Pahlavāni). Restricted to men within Iran, Djavaheripour is extending the practice to both diasporic and women and gender expansive communities alongside the University of Washington graduate student Sara Modjib Shirazi, who has founded a new non-profit called “We are Zoorkhaneh.” They share both their vision and the obstacles they face in conversation with Ron Krabill, Director of the Global Sport Lab.
PRESS COVERAGE
“What we are building is not simply an athletic program but an act of cultural continuity. Zoorkhaneh has endured centuries of political upheaval, war, migration, and diaspora. To teach it today outside of Iran and across cultures and spaces where women have historically been denied access to it feels, in many ways, like a quiet form of resistance. Each session becomes an affirmation that this tradition belongs to all those willing to carry it forward, regardless of nationality, gender, or background.””
