Until the 1920s Falak (bastinado) was the dominant form of public punishment and torture in Iran. Bastinado was used to punish children, servants, criminals, dissidents, and even the members of the elite and the government officials.
In the Iranian style of bastinado the soles of the feet were beaten with a cane. Although bastinado is extremely painful, it leaves few physical marks.
Bastinado in Persian (1864-1874). Watercolor over pencil by William Henry Pierson
Bastinado in Persia, The Illustrated London News (1872)
Bastinado in Persia, The Illustrated London News (1896)
Bastinado (Postcard)
Bastinado (Falak)
Falak whipping of a criminal. Photo by Antoin Sevruguin
Falak whipping in Persia. Postcard, Early 20th Century.
Bastinado, from “About Persia and its people”(1899) by Joseph Knanishu
Falak whipping of a student. Photo by Antoin Sevruguin
Falak whipping of a student
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