The Sultan's Chess and Backgammon Set by Abu Boutros

Gabriel Al-Dayeh, known as Abu Boutros, has worked in Damascene mosaic for more than 75 years and is celebrated as the king of Damascene mosaic art. The Sultan's Chess & Backgammon Set is one of his pieces: a folding board with two games in one case.

Who is Abu Boutros?

Abu Boutros is a master of Damascene mosaic. He has spent more than 75 years in the craft. You can read more about him in our profile of Gabriel Al-Dayeh.

What is the Sultan's Chess & Backgammon Set?

It is a folding board made of walnut, beechwood, rosewood, lemon wood and eucalyptus, with genuine mother-of-pearl in the design. The outside is the chessboard. Opened, it becomes the backgammon board. Wooden chess pieces, resin backgammon checkers and dice are stored inside.

How big is the set?

Closed, the case measures 50 × 25 × 8.5 cm (19.7 × 9.8 × 3.3 in). Opened flat, the board measures 50 × 50 × 4.3 cm (19.7 × 19.7 × 1.7 in). The set weighs 1.85 kg (4.1 lb). It includes small parts and is not intended for young children.

What is backgammon called in Arabic?

In Arabic, backgammon is called tawla. A set like this one keeps both games in a single case.

You can see the Sultan's set and our other boards in the Chess & Backgammon collection. Made by hand in Damascus, no two pieces are exactly alike.