In Azerbaijan, Gulesh is much more than a test of physical strength; it is a profound competition of willpower and spirit. While it once served as a simple national pastime, Gulesh has evolved into a vital element of Azerbaijani culture, akin to its rich traditions of dance and music. Today’s tournaments are vibrant events, accompanied by the melodious sounds of the zurna and the rhythmic drumming that echo the ancient roots of this sport. The wrestlers who participate in Gulesh are known as pekhlevans.
Historically, pekhlevans competed on village grounds, showcasing their skills in front of local communities. In cities like Baku, Ganja, and Ordubad, you can still find traditional zorkhana—dedicated spaces for wrestling. These historic venues have been transformed into modern sports complexes, featuring arenas and amphitheaters for spectators, adorned with beautiful domes and carpets. In the zorkhana, tournaments and training sessions take place, accompanied by music and songs celebrating the victories of legendary warriors.
The wrestling matches begin with a ceremonial warm-up known as meidan-gazmek, which is a ritualistic dance. During this prelude, the slender, bare-chested fighters don loose, embroidered trousers and soft belts. They gracefully move in a circular pattern on either side of the carpet, alternately swinging their arms upwards and backwards. This is followed by a series of movements where they drop to the ground, bending their arms and touching the carpet with their chests multiple times. After this, they spring back up and greet each other with a wide, respectful gesture known as salam, a traditional sign of salutation.
Once the formalities are complete, the wrestlers step into the center of the carpet and engage in a brief shoulder clash, hitting each other three times with their left and right shoulders in succession. This ritual sets the stage for the main event, where their objective shifts to executing various grips and holds. The match is characterized by swift movements as the wrestlers grapple, seizing each other by their trousers or legs, employing backheels, and executing throws. The rules of Gulesh are designed to encourage creativity and initiative, allowing for a wide range of techniques. However, certain actions are prohibited, including throat grabbing, punches or kicks below the waist, and throwing an opponent without following through. Additionally, twisting the arms, legs, or fingers and using the head to push against the rival’s body is not allowed.
In ancient times, pekhlevans would adorn their knees with pieces of mirror to demonstrate their commitment to never touching the carpet with them. Today, the primary objective remains the same: to successfully throw the opponent onto both shoulder blades. Gulesh competitions are held regularly at various levels across Azerbaijan, celebrating this dynamic and culturally significant sport that continues to thrive in the hearts of its people.