As a sociology undergraduate student at the time, I created the following ethnographic photo essay in 2003, after over 6 months of fieldwork among “cockfighters” in Tehran, Iran. The photo essay was originally published in Iranian.com.
Cockfighting, which some believe originated in Iran some 5,000 years ago, is still staged in Iranian cities such as Tehran, Karaj, Tabriz and Rasht. Cockfighters, known as “Eshgh-baaz” (love players), use special techniques to incite their birds into war. This photo essay depicts a cockfight in Tehran.
Cocks are fed water and food (bread, eggs or cake). This one is fed fruit juice.
“Thorns” are attached to cocks depending on their fighting style.
“Thorns” are attached to cocks depending on their fighting style.
If a cock’s feathers are broken, new ones are attached so that it would not get hurt when jumping up and down during a fight.
Before fighting, cocks size each other up.
Before fighting, cocks size each other up.
Cooling off with water…
Cooling off…
Pressing against the opponent’s neck.
During a 15-minute break, the cock is fed and “repaired” including damages to the beak.
Badly hurt: One of the cock’s main arteries has ruptured.
Badly hurt: One of the cock’s main arteries has ruptured.
During the break, the wounded cock receives stiches.
Wounds on the cock’s ear are licked to stop the bleeding.
Clearing blood clots from the cock’s throat.
The cock is dried, cleaned and examined for the extent of injuries.
