Traditional and indigenous games are part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Therefore, as a treasure of the cultural beliefs of various ethnic groups and as symbols of identity, culture, and national heritage, they deserve recognition and preservation. Since the number of indigenous games in ECO member countries is exceedingly large, this article aims to highlight only a selection of local games as well as those shared among member states.
Iran
Cultural diversity across different regions of Iran has led to the emergence of a wide variety of local and traditional games. Some of these games are played in several cities, while others are unique to specific areas. Their origins often relate to cultural, religious, or national beliefs. Among the most well-known Iranian games are Kabaddi, also known as Zo, one of the most popular indigenous sports, Khoros-Jangi (cockfighting game), Bil Gardani (registered in Iran’s intangible heritage), Tarke-Bazi or Chub-Bazi (a martial practice), Gorgam Galleh Mibareh, horseback archery, Amoo Zanjir-Baaf, Shah and Vazir, Vasati, Haft-Sang, Khatt-o-Khooneh or Ley-Lei, Ghaim-Mooshak (hide-and-seek)" Sham, Gol o Parvaneh", Kooshk Malagh, and Kolâh-Parân.
Afghanistan
One of the most popular traditional games, especially in Kabul, is kite flying (Gudiparan Bazi). Danda Klik and Sheghi (or Bajol Bazi) are other old games played across Afghanistan. Buzkashi, one of the most celebrated traditional sports, is now considered a national sport and is commonly held during festivals such as Eid and New Year. Other Afghan games include Tup Danda, which was very popular about forty years ago; Sang Andazi (stone throwing), popular among youth; and Kabk-Jangi (Partridges fighting), which has a long history. Many villagers still raise partridges primarily for this purpose.
Pakistan
Gilli Danda is played with two sticks and is similar to certain Iranian games. Kabaddi and Chogan (polo), played with horses and mallets, are also popular; players aim to strike a ball into the opponent’s goal. This sport is especially popular in northern Pakistan, particularly in the Himalayan valleys, showcasing horsemanship and teamwork. Afghanistan’s games such as Buzkashi and Danda Klik are also played in Pakistan.
Türkiye
Due to Turkiye’s wide ethnic and climatic diversity, numerous local and traditional games have been created for various purposes. Owing to cultural similarities between Iran and Turkey, around 116 traditional games are shared between the two nations, such as hide-and-seek, Balabolandi, Haft Sang, and Atal Matal Tutule. Other common Turkish games include rock–paper–scissors, hide-and-seek, Sok Sok, and Vasati, which are also found in other ECO countries. A unique traditional game is Aşık, registered by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is played using the small talus bones of sheep, which are rare, giving the game its name. People of all ages participate in this game.
Azerbaijan
Traditional Azerbaijani games include Jola Tutma, Divara Vurdi, Polonj Aghan, played with a long and a short stick, Naqichli, and Göz-Bağlıcı (blindfold game). In Göz-Bağlıcı, players define a playing area; one player becomes the “wolf,” is blindfolded, spun around several times, and then released to find others.
Turkmenistan
One traditional Turkmen game is Gara Gordum, which focuses on locating the enemy, reminiscent of ancient battlefields. Another is Arak-Sira, where players split into two groups: one forms a circle to represent sheep (goyin), and the other represents attacking wolves (gurt). Gurt Tutmush highlights unity among Turkmen and the symbolic wolf, which historically threatened their livelihood. Ay Turk, Gün Turk, meaning “I want the moon and the sun,” is a game traditionally played by Turkmen girls, reflecting the ancient reverence for natural elements such as the moon and sun.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyiz Kuumai is one of the oldest equestrian games, originating from times when young women were warriors and horse riders. Kok-Boru (also known as Ulak Tartysh) is one of the most thrilling traditional equestrian games in Central Asia. It was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017. Rooted in nomadic hunting traditions, Kyrgyz men once chased wolves to protect livestock and brought their carcasses home as symbols of victory, eventually evolving into a competitive sport. The term Kok-Boru means “gray wolf,” reflecting this heritage.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of traditional and local games. Many of these games reflect the close, centuries-old relationship between Kazakhs and nature. They feature diverse music, choreography, and costumes, forming an essential part of the country's performing arts. Many date back hundreds of years, originating in the vast steppes of Central Asia.
There are nearly 50 traditional games for children and adults, 10 of which have significant historical value. Horses feature prominently in most traditional Kazakh and Kyrgyz games, as equestrian life is inseparable from their culture. Audarysh, wrestling on horseback, is an ancient equestrian game for youth. Unlike regular wrestling, it takes place on horseback and was once a form of military training, performed during festivals, funerals, and before horse races.
Uzbekistan
Ulak–Kupkari is one of the oldest equestrian sports of Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Other traditional Uzbek games include cockfighting and various hunting games (Geng, Jambil, Lepak, Oshiq, Khapak, Chirgizak) as well as shepherds’ games (Toptush, Kotirma Tush, Echki Oyin, Chupon va Shokol, Qadama Tayok, Chilik, Podachi, Chenta, Chov-Chov, etc.).
Tajikistan
Traditional Tajik sports and games, surviving from ancient times to the present, include archery, jogging, horseback jumping, wrestling, horse racing, polo, Buzkashi, chess, backgammon, and others.
It is worth noting that many of these traditional and indigenous games are shared among ECO member countries, reflecting deep cultural connections across the regio.