Rehnan is a historical district in the western part of Isfahan City. It is at a distance of about 10 km from the center of the city.
One of its most important heritage sites is the Hammam of Rehnan, which dates back to the Zand era and is regarded as the third-largest historic bathhouse in Iran.
The traditional ice cream of Rehnan is very popular and a favourite among tourists.
The ritual of zanjir-zani is one of the most notable elements of Rehnan’s intangible cultural heritage. It has also been inscribed on Iran’s National Heritage List.
Zanjir-zani is a form of self-flagellation using an instrument consisting of several strings of metal chain fastened at one end to a handle usually made of wood.
The ritual of zanjir-zani is performed during the first ten days of Muharram (the first month of the Islamic calendar), on Arba’een Day (forty days after the Day of Ashura), and on the 28th day of Safar (the second month of the Islamic calendar).
It is primarily known as a way of mourning the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (the third Shia Imam) in the Battle of Karbala on 10 Oct. 680 AD (called the Day of Ashura).
In this ritual, groups of drummers and cymbal players precede an array of people who perform the act of zanjir-zani.
These preceding groups consist of several tens of people and inform the spectators about the arrival of the mourning group.
The performers of zanjir-zani regularly tap or beat on their shoulders and backs with special instruments described above.
This act is done in a rotational motion and using a pair of the mentioned instruments.
The groups, who are led by a panegyrist, march through 50 to 60 streets in different neighbourhoods of Rehnan and mourn in a synchronized and harmonious manner.
