The Naqshe Jahan square, with its vast dimensions, was the best place to play Polo. In this game, two teams of six, mounted on horses, were to gain possession of the ball with their long rods with crooked heads, and shoot it into the other side’s goal.
This game was so interesting to Shah Abbas that sometimes he entered the field as a player himself, and he always invited his guests to watch a game of Polo. Another game was also played in that field called Qapoq Andazi. A long wooden column was installed in the middle of the field, and a golden ball or cup, or sometimes a fruit, was placed atop it. Riders and marksmen were to aim for the cup whilst riding on horseback, and whoever was able to bring it down, would win it as his prize, along with the honor of hosting the Shah and other courtiers at his home.
Name Naqshe Jahan Square
Other Names Shah Square, Emam Square
Era Safavid
UNESCO International registration 114 at Ordibehesht 1358
Name Polo
Tool Rod, ball, horse
Players six per team
Application for International Registration Polo, the mounted sport with narration and music
