Razif Khani ceremony was hel in Iran’s southern island of Qeshm.
April 23, 2023. IRNA/Asghar Besharati
Immersing oneself in the Razif Khani tradition of southern Iran is akin to stepping back in time, where weary sailors, after days of toil on the open sea, would gather onshore to partake in this enchanting ceremony as a means of unwinding and lifting their spirits. Often observed in the western regions of Hormozgan including Qeshm, the residents of which fondly refer to the event as “Azwa” or “Aswa.”
In its early days, this mesmerizing spectacle was known as the sword dance, which has since evolved into a performance featuring sticks that the singers gracefully maneuver in time with the music, their rhythmic motions producing a captivating auditory experience.
Presiding over the Razif Khani ceremony, the leader commands attention from the center of the stage, a drum in hand, orchestrating the harmonious coordination of tunes amongst the members. Flanked by their fellow musicians, the scene is set, and as instruments come into perfect tune, the spellbinding performance commences.
Once held in various regions such as the port of Qeshm, Laft, Salakh, Lark and Khamir islands, and even within Arab nations during their sea voyages, this cherished ceremony is now predominantly reserved for wedding celebrations, ensuring that each union is infused with the enchanting spirit and historical allure of the Razif Khani ceremony.
