Chavush-Khani

Anthropology of Iran: Customs and Traditions – Chavush-Khani

Author: Maryam Mirfakhraei

Chavush-Khani is the practice of reciting religious poems in a clear and melodic voice in praise of the Prophet (PBUH) and his family, ahead of pilgrims.

The term Chavush is Turkish and means “army commander” or “caravan leader.”  The poems are called Chavushi, and the person who recites them is known as the Chavush or Chavush-Khan. Throughout the pilgrimage, the Chavush leads the pilgrims, managing and planning the journey. He carries a triangular green banner (Alam), often decorated with images of pilgrimage sites and a suitable slogan, which he places in public spaces or carries on his shoulder while reciting poems to invite people to the pilgrimage.

If the Chavush is a Sayyid, he wears a green cloth around his neck; otherwise, he uses a black shawl. In addition to a melodious voice, the Chavush must have a strong memory, know the pilgrimage rituals and prayers, and be familiar with the roads and sites. After the pilgrimage, he returns first to announce the pilgrims’ arrival to their families, who usually give him a gift in appreciation.

Today, this profession is less common, and Chavush poems are primarily recited during pilgrimage journeys.

Refrences:

Shafiei Kadkani, Mohammad Reza. Asrar al-Tawhid fi Maqamat al-Sheikh Abi Saeed Mohammad ibn Manur. Tehran: 1987 [1366], Vol. 2, p. 639.

Estrabadi, Mehdi. Sanglakh, Roshan Khiavi. 1995 [1374], under “Chavush.”

Farhangnameh Adabi-ye Farsi (Encyclopedia of Persian Literature). Vol. 2. Tehran: 1997 [1376], under “Chavushi.”

Debir-Siaqi, Mohammad. Dehkhoda Articles. Vol. 1. Tehran: 1979 [1358], p. 275.

Dalman, Henri René. From Khorasan to Bakhtiari. Translated by Gholamreza Samiei. Tehran: 1999 [1378], Vol. 1, p. 260.

Anasari, Jaber. An Introduction to Performance and Worship in Iran. Tehran: 1987 [1366], p. 136.

Yousefi, Gholamhossein. “Chavush.” Cultural and Artistic Monthly Kalk, Issues 14-15, 1991 [1370].

Encyclopædia Iranica, under “cavoš.”