Tavla Playing Zeybek 

Osman Hamdi's painting presents us with the Zeybeks, adorned in their distinctive attire, gathered around a game of tavla, or backgammon. The Zeybek's clothing is rich in symbolism: the headwear, the sashes, and the specific colors, each element signals identity, allegiance, and perhaps even status within their community. Note the rifles casually placed nearby, a stark reminder of their role as protectors, and the ever-present threat of violence. The game of tavla, however, introduces a contrasting element. Games of chance, like tavla, are ancient forms of divination; the rolling of dice once was an attempt to discern the will of the gods. We see it repeated through centuries, such as the soldiers casting lots for Christ’s garments. This seemingly innocent game mirrors the uncertainty of life, where fate and skill intertwine. The juxtaposition of martial readiness with leisurely play creates a tension. Are they warriors at rest, or is this a moment of respite before the storm? These men are caught in a cycle, where violence and peace, chance and destiny, continually reshape each other.