The Cultural History of Tavla and Okey in Turkey

Few games are as tied to a country's daily social life as tavla and okey are to Turkey. Understanding their history explains why they still dominate casual play today.

Tavla's long history

Backgammon-style games trace back thousands of years across the Middle East and Mediterranean, and tavla became deeply embedded in Turkish çay houses and social gatherings — a game as much about conversation and rivalry between friends as about the dice themselves.

Okey's rise

Okey is a more modern addition, becoming a national pastime through the 20th century as a distinctly Turkish take on rummy-style tile play, built around four players rather than the pairs typical of card rummy — turning it into more of a social, table-sized event.

Why they've endured online

Both games translate naturally to digital play — clear rules, quick rounds, and deep enough strategy to reward repeated play — which is exactly why they remain two of the most requested classic games on modern platforms.

Explore the Classics category on GAMEAREA, including Tavla and Okey.