Volume 13, Issue 63 (2025)
CFL 2025, 13(63): 65-104 |
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Asadian Ardakani F. The Manifestation of the Concept of Initiation and Transition in Some Rituals of Birth to Puberty. CFL 2025; 13 (63) :65-104
URL: http://cfl.modares.ac.ir/article-11-78783-en.html
URL: http://cfl.modares.ac.ir/article-11-78783-en.html
University of Yazd
Abstract: (47 Views)
Abstract
Traditional local games, as an integral part of intangible cultural heritage, play a vital role in preserving indigenous identity and strengthening intergenerational connections to local customs. The revitalization of these games can serve as an effective instrument for cultural tourism development, creating sustainable economic opportunities while reinforcing social cohesion. Local games in Yazd, deeply rooted in the region’s history and folklore, are not merely recreational activities but also reflect the community’s values, lifestyle, and social solidarity. However, with technological advancements and shifts in modern lifestyles, the popularity of traditional games has significantly declined. This study aims to introduce and analyze several indigenous games of Yazd and examine their role in tourism development and cultural preservation. The research explores the educational and pedagogical dimensions, psychological and social impacts, and historical evolution of these traditional games. A comparative analysis with games from other cultures and regions is also conducted, highlighting their influence on cultural identity and spiritual heritage. Findings indicate that local games offer unique cultural attractions for tourists while facilitating the transmission of indigenous knowledge to future generations and strengthening social identity. Moreover, revitalizing these games through tourism events can generate economic benefits and enhance cultural exchanges. The study emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and policy-making to promote local games within festivals and folklore events.
Keywords: Folklore; tradition revitalization; indigenous and local games; tourism development; Yazd province.
Literature review
Research on the development of indigenous and traditional sports remains limited and sporadic. Studies have demonstrated that the implementation of traditional games—accompanied by symbolic costumes, tools, and tourist participation—in Urmia significantly boosts cultural tourism potential (Akhavan et al., 2023). Similarly, an assessment of sports tourism potential with a focus on local games was conducted in Esfarayen (Saberi et al., 2023). Furthermore, Ma and Liu (2024) found that educated middle-aged women with higher incomes exhibit greater interest in folklore sports events. Another study in Indonesia identified four key factors for developing tourism based on traditional games: the role of attraction managers, the need for effective promotion, support limitations, and stakeholder collaboration (Suprianto et al., 2024).
Research objectives
Traditional local games, as an integral part of intangible cultural heritage, play a vital role in preserving indigenous identity and strengthening intergenerational connections to local customs. The revitalization of these games can serve as an effective instrument for cultural tourism development, creating sustainable economic opportunities while reinforcing social cohesion. Local games in Yazd, deeply rooted in the region’s history and folklore, are not merely recreational activities but also reflect the community’s values, lifestyle, and social solidarity. However, with technological advancements and shifts in modern lifestyles, the popularity of traditional games has significantly declined. This study aims to introduce and analyze several indigenous games of Yazd and examine their role in tourism development and cultural preservation. The research explores the educational and pedagogical dimensions, psychological and social impacts, and historical evolution of these traditional games. A comparative analysis with games from other cultures and regions is also conducted, highlighting their influence on cultural identity and spiritual heritage. Findings indicate that local games offer unique cultural attractions for tourists while facilitating the transmission of indigenous knowledge to future generations and strengthening social identity. Moreover, revitalizing these games through tourism events can generate economic benefits and enhance cultural exchanges. The study emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and policy-making to promote local games within festivals and folklore events.
Keywords: Folklore; tradition revitalization; indigenous and local games; tourism development; Yazd province.
Literature review
Research on the development of indigenous and traditional sports remains limited and sporadic. Studies have demonstrated that the implementation of traditional games—accompanied by symbolic costumes, tools, and tourist participation—in Urmia significantly boosts cultural tourism potential (Akhavan et al., 2023). Similarly, an assessment of sports tourism potential with a focus on local games was conducted in Esfarayen (Saberi et al., 2023). Furthermore, Ma and Liu (2024) found that educated middle-aged women with higher incomes exhibit greater interest in folklore sports events. Another study in Indonesia identified four key factors for developing tourism based on traditional games: the role of attraction managers, the need for effective promotion, support limitations, and stakeholder collaboration (Suprianto et al., 2024).
Research objectives
- To introduce key indigenous and local games of Yazd Province;
- To investigate the educational and pedagogical aspects of traditional games;
- To examine the psychological and social impacts of these games;
- To explore their effects on cultural identity and spiritual heritage;
- To conduct a comparative analysis with traditional games in other cultures and geographies;
- To trace the historical evolution of these games over time;
- To evaluate the role of local games in tourism development in Yazd and propose strategies and policies for their revival and integration into tourism.
Main discussion
Yazd Province, with its millennia-old heritage and rich folklore, has been the birthplace of diverse local games that historically held significant social importance. Despite their role in leisure and cultural transmission, these games are increasingly being forgotten due to the proliferation of digital gaming. Reviving and promoting them can contribute to greater awareness of Yazd’s folklore and foster cultural tourism development. Notable local games of Yazd include Gardu Bazi, Atokokali, Kalagh Parpar, Vasat Bazi, Moush-o Gorbeh Bazi, Go-Go-Gosaleh, Panir, Atalak Tut Tulak, Kheshtak, Poshtak, and Gham-Shi-Og (Tabatabaei-Ardakani, 2002; Ramazankhani, 2017).
Educational analysis reveals these traditional pastimes contribute to social skill development, physical training, emotional and psychological growth, cognitive enhancement, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and communication skills. The psychological and social impacts are also significant. These games promote social development, self-confidence, emotional regulation, mental resilience, teamwork, anxiety reduction, joy, decision-making skills, and prevention of social isolation. Their influence on cultural identity and spiritual heritage is profound, preserving local identity and reinforcing a sense of place, transmitting values and beliefs, sustaining intangible heritage, reconnecting communities with their roots, and reflecting historical lifestyles. The study also traces the evolution of these games and examines their adaptation in comparison with other cultures and geographical contexts.
Conclusion
To effectively promote Yazd’s local games as tourism attractions, recommended measures include organizing folklore and cultural events, designing specialized tourism packages, educational programs, establishing museums and learning centers, producing digital content, developing recreational facilities, integrating these games into international events, reviving them in schools, improving infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships. Future research should explore the impact of these games on tourist satisfaction and return rates, assess their socio-economic effects, identify tourism capacities, investigate the role of media, and examine cultural interaction outcomes
Reference
Akhavan, A., Rashidvash, V., & Homayoun Sepehr, M. (2023). Anthropological study of native games (case of study: cultural tourism space; Anthropological Museum of Urmia city). Iranian. Journal of Anthropological Research, 13(1), 99-121.
Ma, Y., & Lyu, C. (2024). Analysis of folklore sports tourism resources development and protection strategies under the management of rural revitalization strategy in the background of big data. Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences.Ramazankhani, P. (2017). Popular culture of the people of Yazd. Research Institute of Culture, Art and Communications.
Sabri, H., Kamayistani, Z., & Shirin Cheshmeh, B. (2023). Investigating the potential of sports tourism development with a local game approach and based on the SWOT model in Esfarayen County. The 6th International Conference on Management, Tourism and Technology, Penang, Malaysia.
Supriyanto, B., Djati, S. P., & Nurbaeti, M. R. (2004). Analysis of actor, needs, constraints, and action plans for the development of traditional game cultural tourism attraction in the tourism villages of Durensari, Trenggalek and Kampung Dolanan Borobudur, Magelang. International Journal of Research and Review, 11(2).
Tabatabaei Ardakani, M. (2002). Popular culture of Ardakan. Printing and Publishing Organization of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance (Yazd Province Public Culture Council).
Keywords: Folklore, tradition revitalization, indigenous and local games, tourism development, Yazd province.
Article Type: پژوهشی اصیل |
Subject:
Folklore
Received: 2025/01/2 | Accepted: 2025/02/16 | Published: 2025/07/29
Received: 2025/01/2 | Accepted: 2025/02/16 | Published: 2025/07/29
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