The Synergy of Pahlavāni Rituals and Olympic Values: A Historical Perspective

Pahlavāni or heroism is a traditional system of athletics and rituals in Iran. A Pahlavān is a character who displays outstanding traits such manliness and fairness, wisdom and knowledge, courage and bravery, and humility and obedience. In the present study the concept of Pahlavāni is reviewed, and its semantic similarities with concepts and values of the ancient and modern Olympics are examined. The conceptual and historical alignment of Pahlavāni and the Olympics can be used as leverage to confirm the universality of Olympic values. The facilitation of symbols, rituals and ceremonies, and perceptions and historical ideas of different nations can effectively contribute to the development of Olympic values. In this regard identifying historically institutionalized systems in different countries is a sustainable way to strengthen, internationalize, and institutionalize Olympic values.