Unique Activities by Country: SWANA Region
By Courtney Blankenship
*This map showcases adventure sports and unique activities to do throughout the SWANA region. Some countries and areas may not currently be advised to travel to, so adequate research must be done beforehand, however, in serving as an educational resource to illustrate the geographic diversity of the region, this map includes all countries in the region.
A note that all activities should be undertaken with caution and in accordance with the laws and customs of each country. Travelers should do appropriate research on safety and security before traveling to each place. Links provided to third-party websites are intended to provide more information about the activities listed, however, travelers should choose reputable companies and take proper precautions before engaging in activities, including by hiring guides or instructors who can advise on safety techniques. The USA State Department website includes updated travel advisories for more information on which areas to avoid. The following activities are ideal for tourists who enjoy adventure sports or who enjoy learning about unique things to do in various countries in an effort to showcase the incredible geographic, cultural, and historical diversity across the SWANA region and to combat biased and/or negative perceptions that there may be about the SWANA region.
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Mauritania:
Mauritania is a resource-rich country and as of 2001, one of Africa’s newest oil producers with the discovery of the Chinguetti oil field. Located in Northwest Africa, Arabic is the official language of Mauritania, and the country has thousands of years of history. More and more travelers have chosen to visit Mauritania in recent years, and as they do, they have posted travel tips online for those hoping to visit.
Ride the iron ore train either by passenger wagon or by riding on top of the iron ore (wearing protective equipment, such as a mask, to avoid inhaling iron ore), as more adventurous travelers have been doing in recent years. The journey stretches across the Sahara for around 700km, and while it may not be for the faint of heart, it is an adventure not soon forgotten.
Go sandboarding in the Azweiga sand dunes.
Catch great views of the Sahara by taking a quad tour through Terjit Oasis.
Explore the ancient city of Chinguetti, a desert oasis and medieval trading center that was once an intellectual hub.
Go diving or snorkeling at Banc d'Arguin, a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Morocco:
Morocco has a thriving tourism sector, known internationally for its rich cultural and geographic diversity from north to south. The country boasts beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, scenic hikes– including up Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, and camel treks in the Sahara Desert, among countless other activities. Here are some of the other unique highlights and things to do:
Take a camel trek in Merzouga or M’hamid. You can camp outside and drink mint tea while relaxing under the stars.
Go kitesurfing in Dakhla while enjoying the long Atlantic coastline of beaches.
Hike Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. The trek typically begins in the village of Imlil near the base, where mountain guides and mules can be hired. The climb usually takes several days, however, the pace may depend upon the fitness level of each climber.
Take a ride on a quad bike and go sandboarding in Agadir. There are other sandboarding opportunities in the Sahara Desert, including as part of camel treks in Merzouga and other areas with large sand dunes.
Check out the Game of Thrones filming sites of season 3 in Essaouira.
Go hiking in the mountains around Al Hoceima. The Rif region of Morocco is not as touristy as other parts of the country, but for those who like to go off the beaten path to experience nature away from large tourist groups, the Rif region has it all.
Go skiing at Ski Resort Oukaïmeden, not far from Marrakech.
Stroll around the colorful blue city of Chefchaouen and take a hike nearby.
Algeria:
As the largest country in Africa, Algeria has many sites worth visiting, including ancient Roman ruins in Tipaza and Djemila, various natural landmarks in the south of Algeria, and prehistoric cave art in Tassili n’Ajjer National Park. The country has not seen high levels of tourism in the past, largely due to visa requirements, but this is slowly changing with the government’s plan to boost the tourism sector to receive 10 million tourists by 2030.
Go skiing in Chréa National Park (Blida province) or in Tikjda, Djurdjura National Park.
Stroll through the famous Roman ruins of Djemila.
Go sandboarding in Taghit, a Saharan desert oasis where palm trees and oasis are surrounded by huge sand dunes.
Transfer by 4x4 to the Tassili N'Ajjer Plateau from Djanet and climb the plateau.
Take a cultural and historical tour of Algiers to appreciate the rich history of the city.
Visit Tassili n'Ajjer National Park to see some of the most important groupings of prehistoric cave art in the world.
Go on a tour of the Hoggar mountains to watch the sunrise over the Atakor massif and experience the Assekrem plateau. The Ahaggar National Park is located in the Hoggar region of southern Algeria.
Tunisia:
Located between two of the largest countries in Africa– Libya and Algeria– Tunisia is a geographically small country with a population of approximately 12.36 million and a lot to offer in terms of things to see and do. For Star Wars fans, Tunisia has a number of sites where filming took place or which inspired locations for the movies. Tunisia is very geographically diverse from north to south, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and containing mountains, deserts, and forests.
Take a Star Wars tour through the country, including Tataouine, Matmata, Chenini, Ksar Hadada, Chott el Djerid, and other filming sites or locations related to the film franchise.
Go kitesurfing in Djerba to glide through the bright blue water, guided by the wind.
Experience the sunset on horseback while exploring the countryside in Hammamet.
Visit the Djerba Crocodile Farm, where you can see around 400 Nile crocodiles.
Libya:
As the fourth largest country in Africa, Libya is sparsely populated with the majority of people living in northern cities along the coast. The majority of Libya is desert or semi-desert with some of the largest known oil reserves in Africa. The country has undergone many changes in the last couple of decades. Two civil wars followed the protests of 2011, which resulted in the ousting of long-time leader, Muammar Gaddafi from power. The current humanitarian crisis in Libya has caused immeasurable suffering, and UNHCR estimates that there are over 80,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country. Due to the unpredictable and precarious security situation, tourism is not currently advised, and thorough research should be done prior to visiting.
Go scuba diving or snorkeling in Tripoli.
Run the half marathon in Tripoli to experience the city and take in the sights while maintaining your health.
Go hiking on the difficult Misalata Conservation Area Trail or choose a different less difficult trail to soak in nature.
Stroll through the city of Leptis Magna, once the largest Roman city in the country.
Sudan:
Sudan is a country with natural beauty and tons of history that has hosted some of the most ancient civilizations in the world. For example, the ancient city of Kerma, around for thousands of years, is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. In recent decades, however, Sudan has faced challenges in stability, and violence has erupted at various times. Armed conflict broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in mid-April 2023, and as a result, the UNHCR reports that over 800,000 people have been displaced in the country during the course of the current conflict, though, Sudan also hosts a large number of refugees from South Sudan, Eritrea, Syria, Yemen, and other countries. Millions of people have been driven from their homes and thousands have been killed in the violence. Due to the unpredictable and precarious security situation, tourism is not currently advised, and thorough research should be done prior to travel.
Go diving in the Red Sea to explore the wreck of Umbria, which is one of the most incredible historic shipwrecks in the world and features a variety of beautiful marine life.
Go diving out of Port Sudan to visit the Sanganeb Atoll Marine National Park.
Take a boat ride on the Nile River to the Pyramids at Nuri.
Visit the Pyramids of Meroe, dating back to the Kingdom of Kush, and soak in the historical significance of these Kushite funerary monuments.
Stroll around the Musawwarat es-Sufra Meroitic temple complex and the Naga Archaeological Site.
Visit Old Dongola on the east bank of the Nile to see the Coptic Christian churches.
Egypt:
One of the earliest civilizations in the world, Ancient Egypt has been the subject of countless movies and books, and Egypt continues to inspire and capture the interest of tourists around the world who flock to the country to soak in thousands of years of history. From ancient archaeological sites around the country to museums and natural wonders, Egypt has something for everyone.
Take a hot air balloon ride over Luxor early in the morning to see the temples and ancient monuments from above as the sun rises over the Nile river, illuminating the city like an open-air museum.
Go for a camel ride around the pyramids in Giza.
Go on a Nile River cruise to take in the views in Cairo, as well as in cities like Aswan and Luxor.
Scuba-dive on the Red Sea in places like Hurghada or Safaga.
Go windsurfing in Dahab. Freediving, snorkeling, kitesurfing, and scuba diving are also possible here, but Dahab is world-renowned for windsurfing as the reliable winds in the area provide the perfect conditions.
Float in the salty pools of the Siwa Oasis.
Visit Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a magnificent library built in tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria. The library is a great source of pride, and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum states, "Famously, during the 2011 Arab Spring uprising, young Alexandrians formed a human chain around the library to protect it from vandalism and destruction."
Scuba dive through the underwater ruins of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Constructed in 3rd-century BC, the Lighthouse stood until 1323 AD when it collapsed due to an earthquake. Dives can be booked through local tour companies. You can also dive to see Cleopatra's Palace.
Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century defensive fortress overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It sits in the same location where the Lighthouse of Alexandria used to be prior to its destruction by an earthquake.
Israel:
Bordered by Lebanon and Syria to the north, Egypt, the Gaza Strip and the Red Sea to the south, Jordan and the West Bank to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Israel is very geographically and culturally diverse, and many tourists have visited over the years to experience the historical and religious sites. Since October of 2023, however, Israel and Hamas have been in conflict in Gaza, resulting in the displacement of millions of people, thousands of deaths, the taking of hostages, and high levels of acute food insecurity. Due to the unpredictable and precarious security situation, tourism is not currently advised, and thorough research should be done prior to travel.
Take a hot air balloon ride high above the Galilee hills in the Mount Gilboa area.
Go windsurfing and kitesurfing along the Mediterranean coastline, as well as at the Sea of Galilee and in Eilat.
Go snorkeling or scuba diving on the Red Sea in Eilat at the Coral Beach Nature Reserve.
Visit Haifa to stroll around the Baháʼí Terraces, also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa.
Go canyoning with an organized group or licensed guide in the Eilat Mountains
Float in the Dead Sea, but try not to get the salty water in your eyes!
Palestine:
Gaza: Palestine has much history, as well as hospitality, amazing cuisine, and many historical sites to visit. It is nearly impossible to go to Gaza, however, unless you are connected to international organizations or journalists, and it can be very difficult to travel to and within the West Bank due to restrictions on freedom of movement and the lack of an airport. Gaza is surrounded by a military wall and is only accessible via two crossings from Israel and Egypt. Since October of 2023, Israel and Hamas have been in conflict in Gaza, resulting in the displacement of millions of people, thousands of deaths, the taking of hostages, and high levels of acute food insecurity. Due to the unpredictable and precarious security situation, tourism is not currently possible and much of the housing and infrastructure has been destroyed.
West Bank: Palestine has much history, as well as hospitality, amazing cuisine, and many historical sites to visit. While it is nearly impossible to visit Gaza and can be very difficult to travel to and within the West Bank due to restrictions on freedom of movement and the lack of an airport, those who have traveled to the West Bank often speak of the generosity of people and the natural beauty. The West Bank is only accessible via Israel or Jordan, so advance planning is necessary prior to visiting. Since October of 2023, Israel and Hamas have been in conflict in Gaza, resulting in the displacement of millions of people, thousands of deaths, the taking of hostages, and high levels of acute food insecurity. Due to the unpredictable and precarious security situation, tourism is not currently advised, and thorough research should be done prior to travel.
Float in the Dead Sea, but try not to get the salty water in your eyes!
Go hiking, mountain biking, or climbing in the West Bank– including on the challenging Beitin to Taybeh trail.
Visit religious and historical sites in/around the West Bank, including in Bethlehem, Al Quds, Ramallah, and many others.
Lebanon:
As one of the most geographically diverse countries in the SWANA region, Lebanon has a lot to offer in terms of tourism, and for those who may be open to various adventure sports, the country will not disappoint. Whether you prefer water-activities on the Mediterranean Sea, nature outings through forests, or snow skiing in the mountains, Lebanon has something for everyone.
Go surfing in the small seaside town of Jieh, along the Western coast of Lebanon.
Go paragliding in Jounieh. Jump from the mountains with an experienced professional to fly high above forested areas and the Mediterranean Sea, before landing safely back on the ground after over 15 minutes in the air.
Go snow skiing and partake in other snow-related activities in the Cedars, Kfardebian, Laklouk and Zaarour.
Relax on a boat ride in Byblos after taking in all the cultural and historic sites of the city.
Experience waterfalls, cedar forests, high cliff views, rock formations, and beautiful landscapes on any one of the countless hikes Lebanon has to offer. “Lebanon by Nature Hikes & Tours” offers affordable outdoor adventures and day trips for hiking on a weekly basis.
Jordan:
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a popular tourist location with geographic diversity and a reputation for warm hospitality. Jordan is also an excellent location for those interested in learning Arabic, and many universities have study abroad programs with partner institutions in the country. For some of the more thrill-seeking travelers, here are some unique activities to do:
Go canyoning in Wadi Mujib, 410m below sea level, to rappel, float in the streams, and climb waterfalls.
Run the Petra Desert Marathon or half marathon to experience the ancient cave city of Petra while running by mountainside carvings, ancient tombs, and lunar-like landscape.
Take a Gyrocopter/Microlight flight over the Dead Sea or Wadi Rum to see the landscape from above.
Hot air balloon or camel trek through Wadi Rum for excellent views from the air or on land.
Spend the night camping in Wadi Rum under the stars.
Go rock climbing in Wadi Rum.
Go snorkeling in the Red Sea.
Swim in the Dead Sea where the salt concentration is so high that you will immediately float on the surface– just avoid touching your face or else risk some of the saltiest water on earth finding its way into your eyes.
Go scuba diving in the Red Sea in the coastal city of Aqaba.
Syria:
More than a decade of war in Syria has resulted in immeasurable human suffering and the world’s largest refugee crisis with 14 million Syrians forced to flee their homes, hundreds of thousands killed, 70% of the country in need of humanitarian assistance, and a diaspora of 5.5 million Syrian refugees living in neighboring countries, as well as around the globe. The UN estimates that nearly 90% of people live under the poverty line. Much damage has been done to the country’s cultural heritage as historical sites have been damaged or destroyed and cultural artifacts have been looted. While tourism has not been common in the country for years and is still not currently advised due to the precarious security situation, some daring travelers have visited the country recently since much of the frontline fighting has subsided as a result of the 2020 Idlib ceasefire. Skirmishes do break out, however, and any travel to the country for tourism is still heavily cautioned, if not outright discouraged. Still, in hoping for a better, safer future and an end to conflict so that people may live in peace and return to the homes they fled, here are some of the known highlights for a country so rich in history, culture, and beauty.
Go scuba diving or snorkeling in the Mediterranean Sea.
Take a ferry ride to Arwad Island near Tartus.
Take in the stunning architecture, as well as the cultural and historic sites of Damascus.
Attend the annual Marmarita Carnival, held each August by Syrian Christians celebrating the Feast of the Assumption, or “Lady’s Day,” with a parade and festival complete with costumes and music.
Visit the small, scenic Christian town of Maaloula– the only place in the world where Aramaic is still used as a living language.
Visit the ancient Roman and Greek city of Apamea and explore the ruins.
Visit the ancient archaeological site of Palmyra in the Homs Governorate.
Türkiye:
Türkiye is a popular tourist location, drawing visitors from all around the world. The country experienced a massive earthquake in 2023, which devastated the affected areas and was one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded in the Levant. With a population of 15.46 million, Istanbul straddles both Europe and Asia and is rich in history and culture, so it can be difficult to try to cram everything to see and do into just a few days. Cappadocia is another region commonly featured in the Instagram stories of influencers and vloggers, especially for its fairy-chimney rock formations and skies full of colorful hot air balloons. There is no shortage of activities to do in Türkiye, and here are some of the highlights:
Try paragliding or even wingsuit flying (for the truly daring) in Ölüdeniz or Fethiye.
Go on a hot air balloon ride or explore by horseback in Cappadocia.
Go kitesurfing or windsurfing in Alaçatı on the Aegean coast or go further south to Akyaka.
Try rock climbing in Antalya, Datca, and Ala Daglar National Park.
Go scuba diving in Kuşadası.
Go mountaineering at Mount Erciyes, an inactive volcano in Kayseri Province, or skiing at Erciyes – Kayseri ski resort.
Iraq:
In the aftermath of decades of conflict and widespread violence, including war from 2003 to 2011 that left hundreds of thousands dead and over 1 million people internally displaced, Iraq has continued to face obstacles in rebuilding and unpredictable attacks have occurred despite the decline of armed violence in some parts of the country. UNHCR estimates that around 3 million Iraqis are in need of humanitarian assistance, and while some daring travelers have visited Iraq for tourism in recent years, many governments still discourage traveling to the country for tourism. Iraq’s history spans thousands of years, and the country has been known as the cradle of civilization, formerly known as the ancient land of Mesopotamia. Iraq encompasses the “fertile lowlands between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers,” and was home to the first systems of writing and of justice, which are believed to have originated in Sumeria and Babylon (now modern day Iraq). As a country so rich in history and culture, it should come as no surprise that there are many amazing sites to see, however, caution must still be exercised, and research on safety should be done before visiting or attempting any of the following activities.
Go skiing in the mountains of Choman, located in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
Go trekking/hiking through the Zagros Mountains.
Go paragliding from Mount Korek. Erbil Aeroclub has been working to make Mount Korek a world-class launch site for paragliding and to make it more accessible.
Take a boat ride on the Euphrates River.
Kuwait:
Kuwait has nine islands off its coast, and while this small country is not known for tourism, it does have several sites, such as the Grand Mosque, as well as excellent shopping locations that are frequently visited by travelers.
Go tandem skydiving to see the Al Khairan area by sky.
Go scuba diving around Qaruh Island for beautiful coral reefs.
Snorkel or scuba dive around the vibrant coral reefs on Kubbar Island.
Saudi Arabia:
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has opened up to tourists much more in recent years, and now it is quickly becoming a bucketlist destination for travelers from around the world. Most tourism to the country largely comprises religious pilgrimages as the country is home to several of the most religiously significant sites in Islam, however, the tourism sector has grown in the last decade as Saudi Arabia began issuing tourist visas, including eVisas.
Rent a 4x4 to visit “the Edge of the World” from Riyadh.
Take a quad bike and camel riding safari to Al Thumama desert north Riyadh.
Take a trip to the Al Wahbah Crater, a giant crater in the Hijazi region considered a “geological marvel.”
Go on a helicopter ride in AlUla to see the Elephant Rock and Hegra landmarks.
Ride quad bikes and go camping/hiking in Moon Valley in Jeddah.
Snorkel through the Red Sea coral reefs in Jeddah.
Go parasailing at Half Moon Beach in Dhahran near Dammam.
Experience paragliding or skydiving from sites that can include Taif, Riyadh, and Jeddah, to catch excellent views of the country.
Bahrain:
With a name translating from Arabic as “two seas,” it likely will not come as a shock that water-activities are popular within the tourism sector. The Kingdom of Bahrain is a small archipelago consisting of 33 islands, and while it is geographically the smallest country in the Middle East, there is a population of over 1.4 million people, and many tourists visit from all around the world.
Go scuba diving for pearls (after obtaining the necessary permissions) at the Amwaj Islands.
Show off your racing skills while go-karting at the Bahrain International Karting Circuit and visit the Formula One venue.
Go indoor skydiving at “Gravity Indoor Skydiving” in Zalaq.
Go horseback riding toward Bahrain Fort at sunset.
Qatar:
Roughly the size of the U.S. State of Connecticut, Qatar is a small country with a large international presence, and it has made headlines often in the last decade, including through hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup and gaining a reputation as a mediator between rival countries. Home to the Al Jazeera newspaper, Qatar is bordered by Saudi Arabia and shares maritime borders with the UAE, Bahrain, and Iran. There are many sites to visit in the country, and there is no shortage of exciting activities.
Kayak or hike around Bin Ghannam Island, also known as Purple Island, to soak in the natural beauty and mangroves.
Sail along Al Corniche in a traditional dhow boat.
Scuba dive in Khor Al Adaid, also known as the Inland Sea, to spot an assortment of fish and have a view of Saudi Arabia from the beach.
Take a cruise to spot whale sharks and dugongs at various times of the year.
UAE:
Made up of seven emirates, travelers can find much to do all around the United Arab Emirates, however, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are known for their assortment of adventure activities for thrill seekers, and there are many ways to experience all the emirates by air, water, and land.
Co-pilot a fixed wing microlight aircraft in Ras Al Khaimah to experience sites that may be off limits to a larger aircraft.
Go ziplining through skyscrapers and over the marina at Dubai Marina XLine.
Zipline from Jebel Jais mountain peak in Ras Al Khaimah.
Dive with sharks, including Sand Tiger Sharks, Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Tawny Nurse Sharks, Giant Groupers and Stingrays, at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
Go dune bashing and off-road desert driving in Abu Dhabi.
Take a boat trip for snorkeling in Fujairah.
Go scuba diving at Deep Dive Dubai, a 60-metre deep diving pool– the deepest swimming pool in the world.
Go tandem skydiving with an experienced instructor in Dubai to freefall at over 120 miles per hour over Palm Jumeirah island or outside of Dubai over the sand dunes in the Desert Drop Zone.
Go flyboarding in Dubai.
Go parasailing high above the water in Dubai or try jet skiing or wakeboarding for other water-sport activities.
Kayak through Dubai’s gorgeous coastline and explore the peaceful mangrove forests to spot flamingos, herons, and possibly dolphins.
Yemen:
Almost a decade of conflict in Yemen has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, resulting in the displacement of around 4.5 million people and leaving nearly ⅔ of the population in need of humanitarian assistance. The history of Yemen spans thousands of years, and as current conflict continues throughout the country, tourism is not currently advised due to the precarious security situation. The conflict has also resulted in damage to much of the country’s cultural heritage as historical sites have been damaged or destroyed and cultural artifacts have been looted. Though much of the country is not currently deemed safe for travel, Socotra Island in the Socotra Archipelago of four islands has seen an increase in tourism in recent years due to its location away from mainland Yemen, however, caution must still be exercised and a Yemeni visa is needed, which can be arranged through a registered tour operator or a local Socotri travel operator.
Scuba dive or snorkel around Socotra Island– especially from September to October and from March to May. Diving trips can be arranged through local tour companies.
Visit the Socotra dragon blood trees, which are native to the archipelago and feature an other-worldly type of look with an umbrella-shaped crown and red sap.
Oman:
While Oman may not be the first country you hear about when talking about tourism in the SWANA region, it is a hidden gem to those who choose to go. While it is easier to get around the country by car, there are still other options such as buses that can be taken to different cities. From Muscat and Salalah to the Musandam Peninsula, Oman has natural beauty and historical sites that will captivate anyone who visits.
Scuba dive or snorkel at the Ad Dimaniyat Islands in Oman to see colorful fish, sea turtles, and at certain times of year, whale sharks.
Go hydroflying/ flyboarding in Muscat to be thrust high into the air using a hydroflighting device.
See the natural community of dolphins by taking a dhow cruise to Khor Sham fjord in the Musandam Governorate, a mountainous peninsula separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates.
Go hiking, pedal boating, kayaking and motor boating in Salalah and around the Dhofar Governorate.
Iran:
Formerly known as Persia, Iran is located at the crossroads of Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. It was “the dominant nation of western Asia for over twelve centuries, with three successive native dynasties—the Achaemenid, the Parthian, and the Sasanian.” While the country has been making headlines in recent decades for its internal politics and foreign policy decisions, Iran also has a very long and rich history of innovation and art and is home to some of the most elaborate and beautiful architecture in the world. The land that comprises modern day Iran saw the rise and fall of a number of dynasties, and while tourism may be somewhat limited for visitors of certain countries, there is still a lot to see and do for those who do choose to visit. As with travel to any country, caution should be exercised and research should be done before visiting for safety.
Go hiking in Shiraz at Baba Koohi Tomb and Heights or go hiking along Khalkal- Asalem.
Go skiing at Mount Tochal, Dizin Ski Resort, or Shemshak Ski Resort.
Go to Kish Island for water-sports like jet skiing, parasailing, or fly boarding.
Learn about and watch Pahlevani, a form of martial arts popular in Iran.