Shabih Khwani in Bkhshayesh

“Shabih Khwani” or “Ta’zieh” is a part of the Iranian tradition of mourning the martyrdom of Imam Husain and his companions in Karbala. It seems that Shabih Khwani dates back to pre-Islamic times, but presently, this ritual is only known as a way of recreating the atrocities that had taken place in Karbala. Many Shabih Khwani programs are held during the months of Muharram and Safar in Iran, some of which are more prominent in terms of scope and form of performance. The Shabih Khwani program held in Bakhshayesh, is considered the most outstanding in Iran. Bakhshayesh is a city in Heris County of East Azarbaijan Province, which has a population of about five thousand people.

How Is Shabih Khwani Performed?

Performing Shabih Khwani has developed a specific method in the course of history such that at the beginning, a pre-recitation is done and a person called “Ta’zieh Gardan” or “Nazem al-Boka” organizes the performance. The actors, who are called “Ta’zieh Khwan” or “Shabih Khan”, are usually divided into two general groups: “Awliya Khwan” and “Ashqiya Khwan” (which represent the army of Yazid and enemies of Imam Husain (AS). Awliya-khwans use a melodious voice in their performance, but Ashqiya-khwans play their roles with a rough and unbalanced voice that sometimes even seems contemptuous. Since Iranian music songs are used in performing Shabih Khwani, it is very important that the Shabih Khwans know the basics of Iranian music. Shabih Khwans reach the position of mastery when they are able to prepare for various roles and get to know the nuances of the performance and the poems that are expressed in the roles they play. Another difference between the two groups of Shabih Khwan is in their clothes: Awliya-khwans usually wear green, white, or black clothes, but Ashqiya-khwans wear red clothes. In Shabih Khwani, some men play the role of women, and the faces of those who play the role of Imam Husain and his companions are covered.

“Imam Khwani” is the highest level in Ta’zieh Khwani and attaining the rank of being capable of “Imam Khwani” and playing the role of Imam Husain (AS) requires a lot of experience. On the other hand, some people appear in Ta’ziyeh as background actors, who are usually inexperienced people and do not have any dialogue. Appearing in the role of background actors can be the first step to appearing in other roles in Shabih Khwani. The importance of Shabih Khwani in Iranian society is more than just a show, such that sometimes a person may fit into the role he performs so much that in his everyday life, he may be recognized as the person whose role he has played.

Features of Shabih Khwani Performed in Bakhshayesh

A special square has been built in an area outside the city of Bakhshayesh, which hosts the big ceremony of Shabih Khwani every year. This place is located in a pit so that the spectators can observe the performance well by standing on the surrounding heights.

This ritual has been performed for more than 160 years on the Day of Ashura - the 10th day of the month of Muharram - which coincides with the martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS) and his companions. Shabih Khwani on this day usually starts in the morning and lasts for about four hours. This program is implemented in several sequences, comprising the entry of Imam Husain and his companions into the battlefield, the morning prayer on the Day of Ashura, the battles of Hazrat Ali Akbar (Imam Husain’s son) and Hazrat Qasim (Imam Husain’s nephew) with the enemy, and the martyrdom of Hazrat Abulfazl (Imam Husain’s brother and the flagbearer of his army). The performance reaches its climax at the time of Hazrat Abulfazl’s entry into the battlefield and his battle cry.

In terms of the scope and extent of the performance, the Shabih Khwani performed in Bakhshayesh is considered the largest one in the northwest of Iran. Every year, about 40,000 people gather to see this ritual. Rehearsals and preparations for this program start at least one month before Ashura, and more than 300 actors take part in it.

The Shabih Khwani ceremony of the city of Bakhshayesh was inscribed on the list of Iran’s intangible cultural heritage in the year 2012.

The ritual of Shabih Khwani has been performed for more than 160 years on the Day of Ashura - the 10th day of the month of Muharram, which coincides with the martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS) and his companions.