Nomadic Board Games Showcase Cultural Richness at Fifth World Nomad Games
The fifth World Nomad Games held in Astana recently showcased the cultural richness of nomadic peoples from around the world. The event featured a variety of traditional sports and games, ranging from mas-wrestling, a national sport of Yakutia, to oware, an intellectual game from African cultures, and mangala, an intellectual game from Turkiye.
Ethiopia made its debut at the World Nomad Games with representatives Kaleb Mengesha and Hanna Teshome participating in the game of toyzkumalak, which is similar to the Ethiopian national game, gabata, also known as mancala. This highlighted the similarities in games played across African and Asian cultures, with variations such as oware and awari in West Africa, toyzkumalak among Kazakhs and Kyrgyz, and pallanguzhi and olinda keliya in India.
The diversity of games within this genre was also evident, with the rare gabata from Ethiopia and Somalia and the complex bao and omweso from Central Africa. Despite the different names, layouts, and rules, the basic principles of these games remain consistent, focusing on strategic thinking, logic, and patience.
Gabata, one of the oldest games in the world, belongs to the Mancala family of games and is believed to have originated in Ethiopia. It has become an integral part of cultural life in various African societies, promoting strategic thinking, patience, and respect for opponents.
The World Nomad Games in Astana attracted over 2,500 athletes from 89 countries, highlighting the global appeal of traditional sports and games. The event served as a reminder that despite geographical and cultural differences, games can act as a bridge between continents and traditions. The Kyrgyz Republic is set to host the next World Nomad Games in 2026, continuing the celebration of nomadic cultures and traditions on a global stage.
