$ 93,00
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$ 449,90
$ 189,90
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$ 64,00
Turkish Board Games History

Board games have been played in Turkey for centuries, with many traditional games that are still played today. Turkish board games are often influenced by the country's rich history and culture, and many games have been passed down through generations.
One of the most popular traditional Turkish board games is Tavla, also known as Backgammon. This game is believed to have originated in ancient Persia and was brought to Turkey by the Ottoman Empire. Tavla is now one of the most widely played board games in Turkey, and is often played in cafes and social gatherings.
Another popular Turkish board game is Okey, which is similar to Rummy and is played with tiles. Okey is believed to have been created in the 1930s, and has since become a staple of Turkish social life.
Mangala, also known as Mancala, is another traditional board game that has been played in Turkey for centuries. This game is played with a board and small stones, and is often used as a way to teach counting and strategy to children.
Other traditional Turkish board games include Sekizli, YüzBir, and Çanak Okey, each with their own unique gameplay mechanics and objectives.
In recent years, modern board games from around the world have also become popular in Turkey, with many game cafes and shops opening in major cities. Despite this, traditional Turkish board games continue to be an important part of the country's cultural heritage and social life.
Turkish Board Games Varieties
Turkish culture has a rich history of board games, many of which have been played for centuries. Here are some of the most popular types of traditional Turkish board games:
- Tavla (Backgammon) - Tavla is one of the most popular board games in Turkey and is played by people of all ages. The game is played on a board with 24 points, and players use dice to move their pieces across the board.
- Okey - Okey is a tile-based game that is similar to Rummy. It is played with a set of 106 tiles, and the objective of the game is to collect sets of tiles and be the first player to get rid of all of their tiles.
- Mangala (Mancala) - Mangala is a game of strategy that is played on a board with two rows of six small pits. The objective of the game is to capture as many of your opponent's pieces as possible.
- YüzBir (101) - YüzBir is a popular trick-taking card game that is played with a standard deck of cards. The objective of the game is to be the first player to reach a total of 101 points.
- Çanak Okey (Turkish Rummy) - Çanak Okey is a variation of the traditional Okey game that is played with chips instead of tiles. The objective of the game is to collect sets of chips and be the first player to get rid of all of their chips.
- Sekizli (Eight-Card) - Sekizli is a popular card game that is played with a special deck of 40 cards. The objective of the game is to be the first player to collect eight cards of the same suit.
How to play Turkish Board Games?
The rules for Turkish board games can vary depending on the specific game, but here is a general overview of how to play some of the most popular traditional Turkish board games:
- Tavla (Backgammon):
- Tavla is played on a board with 24 points, arranged in two rows of 12.
- Each player has 15 pieces, which are placed on the board according to a specific setup.
- Players take turns rolling two dice and moving their pieces across the board.
- The goal of the game is to be the first player to remove all of their pieces from the board.
- Okey:
- Okey is played with a set of 106 tiles, each of which has a different number or symbol on it.
- At the beginning of the game, players are dealt a certain number of tiles (usually 14).
- The remaining tiles are placed in a stack, and players take turns drawing tiles from the stack and discarding unwanted tiles.
- The goal of the game is to create sets of tiles, such as three of a kind or a run of consecutive numbers, and be the first player to get rid of all of their tiles.
- Mangala (Mancala):
- Mangala is played on a board with two rows of six small pits.
- Players begin by placing a certain number of stones in each pit on their side of the board.
- Players take turns picking up the stones from one pit on their side of the board and distributing them, one by one, into each pit in a counter-clockwise direction.
- The goal of the game is to capture as many of your opponent's stones as possible.
- YüzBir (101):
- YüzBir is played with a standard deck of cards, and each card has a certain point value.
- Players take turns playing cards and trying to reach a total of 101 points.
- The game is played over several rounds, with each round ending when a player reaches 101 points or more.
- Çanak Okey (Turkish Rummy):
- Çanak Okey is played with chips instead of tiles, and players are dealt a certain number of chips at the beginning of the game.
- The goal of the game is to create sets of chips, such as three of a kind or a run of consecutive numbers, and be the first player to get rid of all of their chips.
- Sekizli (Eight-Card):
- Sekizli is played with a special deck of 40 cards, each of which has a certain point value.
- Players take turns playing cards and trying to collect eight cards of the same suit.
- The game is played over several rounds, with each round ending when a player collects eight cards of the same suit.
The Importance of Turkish Board Games in Turkish Culture
Board games have been an important part of Turkish culture for centuries, and they continue to hold a significant place in the country's social and cultural fabric. Here are some reasons why Turkish board games are important to Turkish culture:
- Socialization: Traditional Turkish board games such as Tavla and Okey are often played in public places, such as cafes and tea houses, and provide a means for people to socialize and spend time with friends and family.
- Family bonding: Board games have long been a way for families to bond and spend time together. Many Turkish families have their own set of traditional board games that they have played for generations, passing them down as a cherished family tradition.
- Cultural heritage: Traditional Turkish board games are an important part of the country's cultural heritage and history. Many of these games have been played for centuries and are closely tied to Turkish traditions and values.
- Mental stimulation: Board games provide mental stimulation and can help develop skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Many Turkish board games, such as Mangala and YüzBir, are known for their challenging gameplay and require players to think several moves ahead.
- Entertainment: Board games are a fun and engaging form of entertainment that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Many Turkish board games, such as Çanak Okey and Sekizli, are played in a casual and relaxed setting, making them a popular pastime for many.
Turkish Board Games can be purchased from a variety of different sources, including:
- Online retailers: Many online retailers sell Turkish board games, both traditional and modern. These retailers may specialize in games or carry a variety of different products.
- Specialty shops: Specialty shops that cater to Turkish or Middle Eastern products may also carry traditional Turkish board games. These shops may be found in ethnic neighborhoods or in larger cities.
- Tourist shops: If you are traveling to Turkey, you may find traditional board games in souvenir shops that cater to tourists. These shops often have a selection of products that reflect the local culture and traditions.
- Artisanal markets: In Turkey, there are many artisanal markets and bazaars that sell handmade goods, including traditional board games. These markets can be found in many cities and towns and offer a unique shopping experience.
- Secondhand sellers: You may be able to find traditional Turkish board games at secondhand sellers, such as thrift stores, flea markets, or online marketplaces. These sellers may offer older or discontinued games at a lower price.