top of page
 ChapandazA buzkashi chapandaz (rider) and horse regally enter a match near Kabul, Afghanistan. |  Rider in WhiteAs the buzkashi group maneuvers into a circulating fight, a rider in all white appears at the center. - Kabul, Afghanistan |  The PullTwo riders race ahead of the main group while one strains to pull and hold on to the beheaded and disemboweled goat carcass. - Kabul, Afghanistan |  Goal!Aziz Ahmad (whip held in his teeth) assists his teammate with a goal. In this 'qarajul' version of buzkashi, a goal is obtained by breaking free of the main group, carrying the carcass around a flag, back past the group, and depositing it into the 'circle of justice'. - Kabul, Afghanistan |
|---|---|---|---|
 Frustrated FanAn apparently frustrated fan decides to head home during this buzkashi match in the Panjshir Valley of Afghanistan. |  SprintThe announcer keenly follows a rider as he sprints his way toward a score during a buzkashi match near Kabul, Afghanistan. |  SmilesA buzkashi horse and apprentice display their smiles before a match begins. - Kabul, Afghanistan |  ReminderDespite or because of the ongoing international conflict in Afghanistan, buzkashi matches continue. - Kabul, Afghanistan |
 PoolA group of spectators do their best to avoid a pool of blood left over from the sacrifice of the goat (sometimes a calf) used as the 'objet de guerre' in buzkashi. |  ExhaustionTwo buzkashi chapandaz riders take a break from the action with one rider utilizing a preserved Soviet tank helmet near Kabul, Afghanistan. The brutal nature of the sport is exacerbated by a lack of rules, a heavy (sometimes partially frozen) 70lb carcass, blows to the head and body by whips and body parts (both human and equine), horse bites, along with the danger of being trampled after a fall. |  Talib-fanA self-proclaimed talib stops for a rare portrait during a buzkashi match in eastern Afghanistan. While the sport was officially banned by the Taliban government, it has made a strong resurgence in areas with more government control. |  Intense BattleHorses violently whinny, kick, and push as the action increases during a buzkashi match near Kabul, Afghanistan. |
 RefuelingA well-known chapandaz takes a moment to hydrate. Buzkashi is usually played during the colder months to avoid overheating the horses, but matches can continue into some of the warmer spring months. - Kabul, Afghanistan |  ReconstructionA buzkashi referee works on re-chalking the 'circle of justice' - Kabul, Afghanistan |  TonguesA skilled chapandaz struggles to regain control of his horse using his whip. - Afghanistan |  Sunglassed SpectatorA buzkashi fan utilizes a Corolla taxi for his viewing spot. - Kabul, Afghanistan |
 Buzkashi ActionThe famed rider Aziz Ahmad interrupts an escape attempt by a younger challenger during a qarajul match near Kabul, Afghanistan. The skilled veteran demonstrates proper riding technique by expertly locking the heel of his boot into the stirrup. |  CharismaA well-known chapandaz grins as he regains control of his horse. The riders are professional athletes who earn income from the sport's supporters and adoration from their loyal fans. - Kabul, Afghanistan |  Proud FanA spectator shows his beaming smile and excitement. Buzkashi matches are played on Fridays (Juma'h in the Persian calendar) after prayers. This allows for large crowds of attendees, financial supporters and excited fans. - Kabul, Afghanistan |  Rearing Despite RearingMost buzkashi horses are of the tartar breed, and even though they are specially trained, these un-castrated horses sometimes demonstrate their strong-willed nature. - Panjshir Valley, Afghanistan |
 Youthful AttemptA group of young buzkashi participants take part in a small match in the tudabarai fashion, each trying to simply grab the carcass and escape to the outside of the group. - Panjshir Valley, Afghanistan |  Stand or SquatBuzkashi matches are played on Fridays (Juma'h in the Persian calendar) after prayers. This allows for large crowds of attendees, financial supporters and excited fans. - Kabul, Afghanistan |  NegotiationA young rider struggles to control his horse during a buzkashi match in the Panjshir Valley of Afghanistan. |  AnnouncerBuzkashi matches will often employ a skilled announcer whose duty it is to both excite and control the festivities. Through his bullhorn, he announces the action, cheers on the riders, and encourages the fans with a voice that is familiar to all who attend. Depending on the match location and circumstances, the announcer may carry a rifle on his shoulder as a reminder of who is in charge. |
 Brutal FightA group of young buzkashi participants take part in a small match in the tudabarai fashion, each trying to simply grab the carcass and escape to the outside of the group. - Panjshir Valley, Afghanistan |  Aziz the ChapandazOne of Afghanistan's most famous riders is Aziz Ahmad. Born in Kunduz, Aziz served both the Afghan government and the Mujahideen before being rediscovered by the late warlord Field Marshal Fahim. Known for his combination of brilliant technique and brutal strength, Aziz proudly boasts of his love for his two wives, four daughters, and four sons. |  ChapanA buzkashi spectator dons a traditional chapan. It is this overcoat, worn during colder buzkashi matches as protection from both the cold and the whip, that gives the chapandaz riders their name. |  Pomp and PageantryUnder the orders of his financial supporter, a chapandaz mounts and poses for the crowd on a much larger horse. Many buzkashi matches happen because of the power of their wealthy supporters (often warlords). All forms of showmanship, bravado, and testosterone-fueled pageantry are on display to create a truly unique 'Afghan machismo'. |
 ChaseThree young buzkashi chapandaz gallop away during a tudabarai match in the Panjshir Valley of Afghanistan. |
© 2022 by JAMES HERZOG PHOTOGRAPHY.
bottom of page