On any trip to Turkey, you are bound to hear the speedy roll of dice, the slapping down of wooden pieces and the gruff protests or elations of people playing what some call the national board game - backgammon. Played in just about every corner, crook and crevice throughout Turkey and commonly known as "tavla" to the locals, you will be hard pressed to find a local who doest know how to play the game. A popular way to spend time, its a tradition that is handed down from generation to generation and something they are quite proud of. You can find beautifully ornate backgammon boards as souvenirs these days and also any tea house, restaurant and hotel you will visit will be bound to have a board for you to play on. Another game that is almost as popular and makes just as much of a racket is a game known as "OK". A numbered tile game played in groups of four, its also a common site to see throughout the local tea houses. If you are interested, we have organised for some locals to come and spend time with you to show you how these games are played. They will pass on their skills and knowledge that have been passed down to them from generations before. Who knows, maybe you can beat a Turk at his own game!
