The national Persian sport of Chogan (#polo)

For Iranians, the historic central city of Isfahan is the cradle of modern-day polo.

During the 16th century, the #Safavid #ShahAbbas, famed for the architectural marvels built in Isfahan, ordered the construction of a huge polo field in Naqsh-e Jahan Square in the city center so he could watch players from a terrace in his palace.

credit: realiran.org

credit: hamidreza nikomaram@fars news agency (photos taken 2017)