The traditional game of Ashik has found renewed significance among the Gagauz and Bulgarian communities of southern Ukraine, particularly in the Odesa region, where it serves as both a means of cultural preservation and a comforting escape from the stress of war.
Ashik, an ancient game dating back to the 5th century BC, is played using the front knee bones of sheep or goats. Initially, it was a game for men, often associated with gambling, where players could easily lose their money or even possessions over the course of a single evening. Over time, however, the game evolved as older women began to participate, passing it down to younger generations, thus ensuring its continuity. These grandmothers, who took on caregiving roles, also instilled a love for their heritage, teaching children not just the rules of Ashik, but the history and traditions of their people.
With the onset of war, the game has taken on a new, profound meaning. It now provides a brief respite from the harsh reality of air raid sirens and the constant threat of violence. In communities like Kotlovina, a village in the Odesa region, Ashik is not just a pastime but a way to reconnect with one another and momentarily forget the ongoing conflict.
In Kotlovina, a tight-knit Gagauz community with a deep cultural attachment to Ashik, the game is still cherished. Despite the ongoing war, which has displaced many families, it remains an integral part of daily life. In almost every home, there is a set of Ashik bones, passed down through the generations. The game is typically played in homes or in local community spaces like the House of Culture, where residents gather for different activities, including during air raids. People gather there to play Ashik, and, in the process, share stories of their heritage.
Ashik is more than just a game; it’s a symbol of resilience and unity. The players focus on their skills, creating an environment where time passes unnoticed, and their worries melt away. In a world filled with uncertainty, the game offers psychological relief and a sense of continuity for young and old alike.
The game’s ability to unite people across generations, providing both distraction and joy, is invaluable during these trying times. As explained by local elders, the game requires dexterity and concentration, skills that improve with practice and contribute to emotional well-being. In times of war, these qualities are not only important for survival but also for maintaining a sense of cultural identity and community.
Kotlovina, along with other Gagauz villages, is dedicated to preserving the traditions associated with Ashik. The community’s hope is to hold a festival dedicated to the game, inviting representatives from Turkic-speaking countries where Ashik is also played, such as Turkey, Iran, and Mongolia. The residents dream of celebrating their shared history and fostering cultural exchange once peace returns to their homeland.
The tradition of Ashik was officially added to Ukraine’s National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024, a recognition that underscores the importance of preserving such practices, especially in the face of war and occupation. The people of Kotlovina, and similar communities, are determined to keep their heritage alive, even as the war ravages the nation. Through Ashik, they continue to pass on not just a game, but a sense of pride and connection to the past.