Nubian Wrestling: A Combat Art and Cultural Heritage

Sport for Ever – Nubian wrestling, or “El Surra'” as it’s known in some areas of the Nuba Mountains, is more than just a combat sport; it’s a living tapestry of ancient cultural heritage deeply rooted in the history and civilization of Nubia, stretching between southern Egypt and northern Sudan. This traditional sport, reflecting courage, strength, and agility, is not merely a physical competition but a social and artistic celebration that expresses authentic Nubian identity.

Historical Roots and Unique Rules:

Nubian wrestling dates back thousands of years, with wall carvings in ancient Egyptian tombs, such as those of “Tyenan” and “Mereruka II,” indicating the existence of this combat practice since the pharaonic era. It was initially practiced naked, but it evolved into wrestlers today wearing short trousers and often anointing their bodies with sand and white ash, which gives it an artistic and spiritual character. Nubian wrestling somewhat resembles Japanese “Sumo” wrestling in its reliance on throwing the opponent to the ground, but it’s distinguished by its unique rules that focus on lightness, agility, and deception. The two wrestlers stand in a circular sandy arena, each striving to bring the other to the ground using hands and legs, with specific terms like “Al-Dira’a” for leg usage and “Al-Tafweeta” for feinting the opponent. The winner is whoever manages to pin their opponent to the ground, regardless of which part touches the ground first.

Deep Rituals and Lively Celebrations:

Nubian wrestling transcends mere sports competition to become an integral part of social rituals and celebrations in Nubian society. Preparations for matches begin with special rites, where wrestlers follow a strict diet based on milk, honey, and sesame to strengthen their bodies. On match day, wrestlers arrive at the arena in a ceremonial procession that includes their family members, who raise flags distinguishing their tribe. They are surrounded by enthusiastic songs and traditional dances that ignite the crowd’s passion, with women uttering ululations while boys cheer, creating an atmosphere of excitement and pride.

Wrestling matches are held particularly during major social occasions, such as holidays, harvest seasons (especially between August and December), and weddings, where they are an essential part of the festivities. In the Nuba Mountains, wrestling is seen as a celebration in itself, a means of expressing strength and chivalry. After the bout ends, the winner takes his opponent’s flag, and the flags are raised on the homes of the victorious “fursan” (knights), signifying pride in victory and courage. This tradition strengthens community bonds and showcases the wrestlers’ status within their tribes.

Social Role and Tribal Unification:

Nubian wrestling plays a pivotal social role in uniting tribes and enhancing their identity. In the Nuba Mountains, where tribes are diverse, participation in wrestling is entrusted to specific households, and this is considered almost sacred, as sons inherit this sport from their fathers and begin training in it from a young age. This tradition strengthens tribal belonging and demonstrates the power and courage of each group.

With the significant displacement of Kordofan tribes to cities in northern Sudan, especially Khartoum, since the 1970s due to civil wars, this sport moved with them, becoming one of the popular sports that attracts thousands of spectators weekly, competing with football in popularity in some cities. The Sudanese Wrestling Federation was established to oversee it, and there are active efforts to translate its rules and gain international recognition from organizations like UNESCO, aiming to bring this ancient heritage to a global audience.

Champions from the Sandy Arenas:

The history of Nubian wrestling is rich with stories of heroes who carved their names with their strength and skill in the sandy arenas. These wrestlers, sometimes called “Al-Fursan” (the knights), hold a special place in their communities. Among the names that resonate in the context of festivals and gatherings, we find Al-Baqir Babiker, nicknamed “Sinkiri,” a title meaning “tin maker,” who inherited this sport from his father, emphasizing the familial and inherited nature of this skill. Names such as “Kaka,” “Angola,” “Al-Martaba,” “Baqar Yusuf,” and “Al-Ustaz Haw” are also mentioned as prominent “fursan” in Nubian wrestling festivals, reflecting the courage and skill highly valued in this combat art. These champions are not just athletes; they are symbols of strength, resilience, and the living heritage passed down through generations in Nubia.

In conclusion, Nubian wrestling is not merely a combat art, but a living testament to the richness of Nubian culture and the depth of its history, embodying the spirit of courage, unity, and pride in the authenticity of its heritage.،،،،more

Article Writer:
Yola Hamidi
Journalist and Translator
Sport for Ever
Media Foundation
Contact: jula@sport4ever.org

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