The Turkmen "Golf": Secrets of the Ancient National Game "Chilik"

Among the rich cultural traditions of Turkmenistan, the national game "Chilik" stands out as a unique blend of skill and strategy, closely echoing the mechanics of modern golf. Players use two wooden tools: a long staff (about 72 cm) and a smaller, 25-cm pointed stick called the "chilik." These are typically hand-crafted from the toughest local woods, such as tamarisk, to withstand high-impact hits.

The game is played between two teams on a field featuring a 10-meter diameter circle with a central target (a stone or a small pit). The primary goal is to strike the chilik with the staff, launching it as far as 100 meters away. Opponents then attempt to throw it back into the target zone. With a complex system of penalty points and turns, "Chilik" is not just a test of physical strength but also a display of tactical precision, preserving the athletic spirit of the Turkmen people across generations.