Backgammon has been played in and around London for centuries, having been delivered to us through trade from its birthplace in Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq.
Many will know the game by its English language title, but few know it as such a cultural highlight for countries in the MENA region.
In Arabic, the game goes by the name of Tawlah (طاولة) or table, and there are few locations in England where you can play the popular game under that name.
But a new Holborn site has recently introduced Tawlah Tuesdays, where you can learn the Turkish, Palestinian, or even street style variations, drinking a cup of sweet shay (شاي) to the sound of Umm Kulthum.
The founder of Yallah Tawlah, Samir Herzallah has now hosted his Tuesday night sessions at Palestine House for over six months.
The host says the halal (no gambling) event is an opportunity for him to spread awareness and show solidarity for Palestine in his own way.
But, ultimately, he said: “It’s nice to share a part of the culture that is about enjoying, relaxing, living, and is just something that we do.”
Listen to my interview with Samir in the video below.
Featured image credit: Lulu Goad
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