Retro.. Tunisia's Traditional Games

Back in Time When Distraction Boosted Connection

Photo Credit : Orkhan Turki

In the southern regions of Tunisia, elderly individuals are rediscovering traditional games passed down from their ancestors, such as the game "Kharbga," which had nearly faded into obscurity amidst the fast pace of modern life. Similar in structure to chess, "Kharbga" is played on squares drawn on the ground or asphalt using coal, with participants using stones and bottle caps, attracting the curiosity of young onlookers eager to learn its intricacies.

Gathering in the shade of the Great Mosque's granary in the city of Medenine, elders gather to rekindle the spirit of "Kharbga." They meticulously arrange the squares, often worn away by foot traffic or rain, and gather playing materials: small stones and bottle caps sourced from nearby corners.

While numerous traditional games once thrived in the region, such as Al-Siddah, Al-Khatiwa, and Al-Rabiah, many have sadly begun to fade away with the passage of generations. However, certain games still endure in the collective memory of the populace.