The Silent Duel of the Coffeehouses Turkish Draughts (Dama) is an Anatolian intellectual discipline that stands apart from its Western counterparts through its unique rules. In this version, pieces move orthogonally—forwards and sideways—rather than diagonally, creating a linear and far more aggressive strategic landscape. In ancient cities like Şanlıurfa, Dama is not merely a competition between two players; it is a collective social ritual accompanied by the aroma of steeped tea, the commentary of spectators, and hours of deep analysis.
The Culture of Mastery and Foresight In the Dama culture of Urfa, a player’s greatness is measured not just by victories, but by how many moves ahead they can “see.” The symmetrical battle of sixteen pieces reaches its climax when a single piece reaches the final row to become a “Dama” (King), gaining the power to dominate the entire board. Resisting the digital tide of the 21st century, this tradition remains a living lesson in patience and foresight, passed down through generations in the historic bazaars of Urfa.
