Regrettably, I managed to misplace my final exam.
Article: The Kreuzberg World Championship of Tavla - A Community Celebration in Berlin
The Kreuzberg World Championship of Tavla, held in the heart of Berlin, is more than just a backgammon tournament. This informal event, celebrating the ancient game known as Tavla or Backgammon, reflects the diverse cultural scene and love for social games in the Kreuzberg neighborhood.
A Cultural Melting Pot
Kreuzberg, renowned for its vibrant multicultural community, particularly its large Turkish diaspora, provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration of cultural diversity. The Tavla tournament brings players of different backgrounds together, fostering a sense of unity and shared appreciation for this beloved game.
Community and Social Interaction
Beyond competition, the championship is valued for its role in fostering social bonds, casual and friendly gameplay, and local tradition. The relaxed atmosphere, open to all, encourages a sense of camaraderie that transcends the game itself.
The Game of Tavla
Tavla follows traditional backgammon rules, with each player starting with 15 checkers. Players take turns rolling two dice and moving their checkers according to the dice roll, with the objective being to move all your checkers around and off the board before your opponent. The “doubling cube” may or may not be used depending on the event style.
A Berlin Cultural Hub
The popularity of Tavla in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures is highlighted by the tournament, positioning Berlin as a cultural hub for this heritage. Unlike professional international tournaments, the Kreuzberg World Championship tends to be more community-driven, open, and relaxed in atmosphere, emphasizing fun over formal rankings.
The final round of the tournament was held in the middle of a restaurant’s back room, attracting a crowd even among passersby. Despite losing the final, the author considered it the best non-sport moment of the year, especially considering they managed to reach the final despite losing in the group stage.
The author, who does not play Tavla competitively, has a better understanding of where to find the best döner (Turkish dish) abroad, having played the game with various people at the Späti, including thieves and potato sellers. Winning a Tavla tournament requires a mix of luck, endurance, and nerves, with endurance being particularly important due to the potential for one wrong move to lead to defeat.
The author trained for the tournament, preparing for both Turkish pros and calculating Europeans. Nerves are necessary in Tavla due to the presence of "Yancı" who observe and wait for mistakes to comment on. It is worth noting that Tavla is a Turkish national sport.
In summary, the Kreuzberg World Championship of Tavla is less about strict competition and more about community celebration, bringing together people through a shared love of backgammon in Berlin’s vibrant Kreuzberg neighborhood. The event's informal yet well-loved atmosphere is a testament to the power of community-driven events in fostering connections and celebrating cultural heritage.
In the Kreuzberg World Championship of Tavla, the love for social games extends beyond sports, meeting the home-and-garden vibe of communal gatherings, as the event fosters a multicultural lifestyle where people of diverse backgrounds come together. While the tournament's success is celebrated, the key highlight is the sense of belonging and camaraderie that transcends the game, making it a cultural melting pot.
