"Buzkashi involves large groups of men on horseback trying to grab the headless body of a goat and keep control of it long enough to drop it over a line marked on the ground. There are no teams, it's every man for himself, and games can last six hours."
"The first game I went to was the biggest about 300 riders at its peak. Tajikistan is 93% mountains, so matches are staged in the folds of valleys, or in dried riverbeds where there's some natural geography to contain the play."
"Buzkashi is a fairly brutal sport, but my aim wasn't to normalize cruelty; I was photographing something ingrained in Tajik culture."
"Those who score win a prize, with the value increasing as the game goes on. I've seen people claim carpets, a camel, even a car, so as the match progresses, more players join in."
Buzkashi, a sport with roots dating back to Genghis Khan, is played in Central Asia, particularly Tajikistan. It involves horsemen competing to grab and control a headless goat carcass, with no teams involved. Matches can last up to six hours and attract large crowds. The sport is staged in mountainous regions, often leading to chaotic scenes as riders navigate through spectators. Players can win valuable prizes, increasing participation as the game progresses. The sport reflects deep cultural significance in Tajikistan, despite its brutal nature.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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