Buzkashi the most popular tajik game

Every year, between November and April, when the temperature is chilly, the Buzkashi season opens in Tajikistan. Buzkashi – from the Persian words goat (“buz”) and drag (“kashi ») – has been played in Central Asia for centuries and consists of horse riders – chapandaz – dragging a dead goat around markers across a huge field surrounded by hills. Every weekend, multiple events are taking place all over this mountainous country, and offer unexpected entertainment.

This is an ongoing project.

horse; buzkashi; tajikistan; tadjikistan; sport; goat; central asia

In early November, one of the first big buzkashi tournaments is taking place near the cement factory in the outskirts of Dushanbe. On this ideal field for buzkashi, dozens of horse riders gathered and hoped to win one of the money prizes.

A crowd of a hundred people also gathers in the slope of the valley, where they sit comfortably to observe a couple of hours of horse races taking place.

Mamad Ali, and his horse, are taking a rest after hours of exhausting games which took place on a huge field 4 kms out of Dushanbe, near to the cement factory. He works during the week in the botanical garden, where he offers horse tours to local tourists.

Horse Riders are fighting to drag the carcass of the dead goats. Similarly to a scrum in rugby, the one who finally drags the carcass will try to drop it between the markers.

horse; buzkashi; tajikistan; tadjikistan; sport; goat; central asia, woman, woemn

One of the rare female horse riders is taking a breath after an intense game. This sport is traditionally played by men but women are starting to be involved.

Some spectators are enjoying a osh, a traditional meal from Tajikistan (called plov in Uzbekistan), watching the ongoing game down in the valley.

A chapandaz (horserider) is getting ready to enter the game. As buzkashi is a dangerous sport, he is protecting himself with an old tank helmet, in soviet style, and reinforced boots and gloves.

horse; buzkashi; tajikistan; tadjikistan; sport; goat; central asia, asie, asia,

One horse rider is forcing his horse to stop after he almost hurt the crowd which was quietly watching the buzkashi game on the slope.

Horse Riders are fighting to drag the carcass of the dead goats. Similarly to a scrum in rugby, the one who finally drags the carcass will try to drop it between the markers.

One chapandaz is about to cross the two markers, made of tires, and drop the carcass. Then he could expect a prize, starting from 10 somonis (1 USD).