Afghan horsemen fight for the best Position during the traditional Buzkashi game in Kundus, Afghanistan. The ancient game of Buzkashi has been played in northern Afghanistan since the days of Ghengis Khan, the Mongol warrior whose army swept across Asia in the 13th century. It is a fierce game of competition played on the steppes of Asia by expert horsemen. As a rule, women are not allowed to watch. The carcass of an animal, preferably goats, is being prepared 24 hours before the game so it remain intact and not be torn to pieces as hundreds of horsemen independently compete to grab and carry the carcass to the winning circle. To begin the game, a pit is dug and the carcass is placed into it so that the top of the carcass is level with the ground. A large circle is drawn around the pit. This circle is called the hallal, which means 'circle of justice'. Far to the right of the hallal is a pole, and far to the left is another. The horsemen encircle the pit containing the carcass, and on a given signal, compete to grab it and gallop away around one post and then the other before returning and throwing the boz back into the pit. The other riders try to prevent that by attacking the rider and trying to steal the carcass away. The horseman who returns the carcass into the pit is considered the winner. Photo: Boris Roessler/dpa
