Zorkhana - It is the so-called house of force and strength. A big hall of zorkhana was blocked by arch beams. In the center of the hall there was an arena named the table cloth (matt) where there were held games, competitions and fights. This arena was surrounded by a special scaffold where sat visitors. Depending on the matt gamer (table cloth), there could participate from 15 up to 20 players. Zorkhana contained 200-300 visitors. Game process in zorkhana was run by instructor who sat on a special elevation, close to the so-called matt (table cloth). Games in zorkhana were accompanied by music. After a special sign was given by a judge, music played and began games. After all games in zorkhana was over there started gulash (national wrestling). Methods and ways of wrestling were different. Upon completion of the wrestling pakhlavans kissed a hand of the judge, and left the arena. The judge should greet pakhlavans and invite them on competition. When a famous pakhlavan appeared, they rang in bells, beat in drums, read verses inviting each other.
Clothes and apparatuses of pakhlavan. Sporting clothes of pakhlavans participating in zorkhana consisted of trousers only. Ancient name of these clothes was tamban. While exercising maces there were applied gymnastic apparatuses which reminded special wooden sticks used during the war. Pakhlavans put them on their heads and danced. Maces were made of oak and other kinds of wood. A weight of these apparatuses ranged from 12 up to 30 kg.
Games of zorkhana. In zorkhana, there were played games like sino or breaking of sword, lifting up of the stone, kabbada or kamana, yikpa or knocking by foot, gulash and other games. First ever zorkhana appeared in Tabriz. Special complexes of zorkhana were active in the towns of Tabriz, Nakhchivan, Ordubad, Gandja, Maraga, Baku, Urmiya, Khoy, Shaki, Shamakhi, Shusha.