The developers are correct in identifying the concept of Futuuwa in the Middle East as the equivalent of chivalry/knighthood in the medieval age. However, for the Iranian world, this word was not used. The equivalent, which had existed back in the Sassanian era of late antiquity, would be Javan-mardi. This translates to young (Javan) manhood (mardi).
The unique men at arms for the Iranian world is presently the Ayyars. The Ayyars historically were a group of young men would organize and often perform crimes. And Ayyar and Futuuwa are Arabic words not used in the Iranian world.
A more culturally and historically specific term would be Pahlavan for what the developers described as Ayyars. These were young men who would train together in traditional gymnasiums in Iran called Zurkhaneh’s (translates to house of strength). They would also defend villages and towns when needed. The concept of the village Pahlavan still exists and is quite romanticized. They had an ethical code that they are expected to abide to and are looked upon as the town/villages hero (respect for elderly, protection of the weak/vulnerable, honesty, maintaining health).
Having said that, I still think that at a kingdom or at least an empire level, having a cataphract equivalent for the Iranian world referred to as Savaran would be more culturally and historically appropriate. A sculpture of the Sassanian Savaran is best seen in the rock relief of Taq-e Bostan (see attachment). One idea would be to have the men at arms unit stay as a heavy infantry for Daylamites/Kurds, horse archers for Tajiks/Sogdians and cataphract/knight equivalent for Persians.
The unique men at arms for the Iranian world is presently the Ayyars. The Ayyars historically were a group of young men would organize and often perform crimes. And Ayyar and Futuuwa are Arabic words not used in the Iranian world.
A more culturally and historically specific term would be Pahlavan for what the developers described as Ayyars. These were young men who would train together in traditional gymnasiums in Iran called Zurkhaneh’s (translates to house of strength). They would also defend villages and towns when needed. The concept of the village Pahlavan still exists and is quite romanticized. They had an ethical code that they are expected to abide to and are looked upon as the town/villages hero (respect for elderly, protection of the weak/vulnerable, honesty, maintaining health).
Having said that, I still think that at a kingdom or at least an empire level, having a cataphract equivalent for the Iranian world referred to as Savaran would be more culturally and historically appropriate. A sculpture of the Sassanian Savaran is best seen in the rock relief of Taq-e Bostan (see attachment). One idea would be to have the men at arms unit stay as a heavy infantry for Daylamites/Kurds, horse archers for Tajiks/Sogdians and cataphract/knight equivalent for Persians.
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