Gun jumping in Saudi Arabia: dancers perform Taashir folklore dance in Taif - in pictures

The traditional war dance involves barefoot men in traditional thobes leaping and jumping over guns while firing them

Saudi folklore artists perform Taashir, a traditional dance of the people of Taif, about 65 kilometres to the east of the holy city of Makkah. AFP

Taashir is a war dance performed by carrying a weapon stuffed with gunpowder, which turns into a flame under the dancers' feet. AFP

Barefoot and in their traditional thobe and ghutra headdress, Taashir performers dance to traditional music in Saudi Arabia's western city of Taif. AFP

A Taashir dancer bounces up and down with his knees pressed close together, as he fires at the ground, resulting in a blast of sparks and smoke under his feet, in Saudi Arabia's western province of Taif. AFP

Taashir requires some degree of training as the dancer has to jump, aim and shoot while in mid air. AFP

Young boys also take part in the Taashir dance, but train with an unloaded weapon until they are able to handle a gun. AFP

The Taashir dance, originally performed before battle to motivate fighters and intimidate opponents, has been passed down from generation to generation. AFP

Tasshir is a popular legacy and many in Taif want their children to learn the dance to preserve their tradition. AFP

A tribal tradition believed to date back hundreds of years, Taashir is now performed at weddings, festivals and on other special occasions. AFP

More galleries from The National:

Shoppers flock to Oman markets before Ramadan - in pictures

5,000-year-old rock carvings offer insight into Oman's history

Medinet Habu and Colossi of Memnon - Egyptian archaeology in pictures

House of Artisans: Permanent exhibition at Qasr Al Hosn celebrates UAE crafts

The Mena region prepares for Ramadan