Abstract
Games are among cultural manifestations of human communities which have continued to exist since the ancient times and developed during peaceful times; in the Qajar era, during the reign of Nasser-al-Din Shah, because relative peace and prosperity was brought about, the people, especially courtiers, showed great interest in games and spent some of their daily life on it.In this article we have attempted to present some of the angles and dimensions of a number of these games using the itineraries of orientalists and histories and works of that period. In this regard, we have borne in mind time, venue, extensiveness, customs and the reflection of these games in literature and based on evidences demonstrated that Qajar era is one of the most prominent periods in Iranian history and culture regarding the diversity and colorfulness of these games. Skillfulness of game players, large bets, struggles and arguments between opponents, special formalities, etc., are all the criteria for the acceptability and popularity of games in this age, which have been put into consideration.
Highlights
In the past, when games were not as variegated, people were compelled to play games to spend their free time and be entertained
We have borne in mind time, venue, extensiveness, customs and the reflection of these games in literature and based on evidences demonstrated that Qajar era is one of the most prominent periods in Iranian history and culture regarding the diversity and colorfulness of these games
One Qajar prince, named Muhammad Amin Mirza, writes a book containing an introduction defining all types of gambling and nine chapters about inventors, masters and tricks of the games and an epilogue in the name of Nasser-al-Din Shah
Summary
In the past, when games were not as variegated, people were compelled to play games to spend their free time and be entertained. Backgammon, aas bazi (playing aces), ganjafeh (cards), and qaap bazi are games we have pondered on. Aas bazi has been described in the itineraries of travelers as “one of the oldest card games These cards are made of small, rectangular, ivory pieces in which beautiful miniatures are illustrated in golden colors; these ivory pieces, some of which are still found, were later replaced by illustrated and varnished cardboards with 5 five-card sets called king, ace, queen, LAKAT and jack each distinguished from others with its yellow, green, red, black or golden background (D’almani, 1956) and Brugesche give a more accurate description of Aas cards: “Iranian cards which are made of cardboards have five types of illustrations with four special signs which add up to twenty cards. The qaap was thrown in the air and the person who succeeded in having the desired face would be considered winner
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