From Chaikhana Tables to Timed Matches, Kurdish Board Game 'Dama' Tries to Reinvent Itself
From Chaikhana Tables to Timed Matches, Kurdish Board Game 'Dama' Tries to Reinvent Itself
Béatrice Dillies
December, 2025
Summary
Dama, a traditional Kurdish board game similar to Turkish Draughts, is more than recreation; it is a cultural ritual rooted in Chaikhanas across Kurdistan. Played orthogonally on an 8×8 board with mandatory captures, Dama emphasizes strategy, patience, and social equality, uniting people across class and region. Historically, it even served as a cover for political resistance. Today, the game faces decline as younger generations favor digital entertainment. In response, a professionally organized draughts tournament in Bokan brought together veteran players and organizers seeking to revive Dama, inspire youth participation, and elevate the game to international recognition despite limited institutional support.
Reference
Dillies, B. (2025, December). From Chaikhana tables to timed matches, Kurdish board game ‘Dama’ tries to reinvent itself. Kurdistan24. https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/877046/from-chaikhana-tables-to-timed-matches-kurdish-board-game-dama-tries-to-reinvent-itself