TEHRAN-The Iranian board game “Mokebdar” with the theme of Arbaeen was unveiled at Karestan Baharestan, a large innovation complex for culture and art in Tehran, last Tuesday.

The event was attended by Masoud Hassannlou, secretary of the Cultural and Soft Technologies Development Center of the Iranian Vice-Presidential Office, as well as game designers, cultural activists, and notable guests including Sohrab Mostaghim, game designer and CEO of Farbood Engareh game design company, Armin Masroor, game designer and co-founder of Hambordi game design company, and Amin Ansari, game designer and co-founder of Miras Games.

“Mokebdar,” designed by the cultural institute Rotab, affiliated to the Imam Sadiq University, is a board game designed to educate people from all walks of life, children and teenagers, about the concept of the mokeb—temporary rest stops set up for pilgrims during the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq. The event featured a play session, where attendees had the opportunity to experience the game firsthand. Winners from each group were awarded their own copies of “Mokebdar” as prizes.

The game aims to instill the significance of the Arbaeen pilgrimage in players. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Public Relations Manager of the Omid Innovation Center, affiliated to the Art Bureau, emphasized the importance of games as a medium for conveying meaningful content to children and adolescents, allowing them to engage with topics such as Arbaeen in a relatable and effective manner.

Armaghani further described the Arbaeen pilgrimage as a maneuver and rehearsal for the appearance of the Imam Mahdi (AS). The game introduces players to themes of service, self-sacrifice, and dedication to God and the Ahl al-Bayt, fostering a deeper understanding of these values.

Arbaeen, which will be observed on August 25 this year, marks the end of the 40-day mourning period following the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Imam of the Shia, and his loyal companions on Ashura, during the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

The Arbaeen pilgrimage is a significant annual pilgrimage in Shia Islam. Each year, millions of pilgrims, often exceeding 20 million, undertake this journey, which spans approximately 80 kilometers (around 50 miles) from Najaf to Karbala in Iraq. The walk serves as a profound expression of their commitment to the principles upheld by Imam Hussein, such as justice and resistance against oppression.

Millions of Iranians also embark on this journey to the Iraqi city of Karbala to observe the holy day of Arbaeen at the holy shrines of Imam Hussein (AS) and his brother, Hazrat Abbas (AS), grandsons of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Also speaking at the event, Sohrab Mostaghim highlighted the growing trend of board games worldwide, noting that approximately 3,000 new board games are released globally each year. 

He pointed out that, until 2016, Iran had barely contributed to this burgeoning market. However, according to Mostaghim, there are now about 30 Iranian-designed games. He expressed hope that such initiatives would help increase Iran's share in the global board game market.

The illustrator of “Mokebdar” Mikael Barati shared insights into the unique elements of the game including a specially designed fabric board. The game allows players to encounter various characters, including historical figures like Gandhi and Muhammad Ali. Players select mokebs, serve pilgrims, and navigate through the game’s pathway, placing pieces along the route until they reach the shrine of Imam Hussein.

Mokebs are special tents for pilgrims during the Arabeen pilgrimage to rest and eat food and use services for free.

Provision of services and hospitality during the Arbaeen pilgrimage is a social practice performed across the central and southern regions of Iraq, from where processions of visitors and pilgrims converge towards the Holy City of Karbala. 

The tradition – a social practice with deep roots in the Iraqi and Arab tradition of hospitality – is an immense display of charity through volunteering and social mobilization and considered to be a defining element of Muslims’ cultural identity. A vast number of people contribute their time and resources to providing the pilgrims with free services along the route in numerous mokebs. 

Starting at least two weeks before the date of Arbaeen, associations set up temporary facilities or reopen more permanent ones along the pilgrimage routes, including prayer halls, guest houses, and stands offering various services. Many people also open their houses for free overnight accommodation. Bearers and practitioners include cooks, families offering hospitality, the administration of the two Holy Shrines in Karbala, volunteer guides, volunteer medical teams, and benefactors contributing generous donations.

In separate speeches at the unveiling ceremony, guest speakers Masroor and Ansari appreciated the designers’ efforts in producing “Mokebdar,” noting that both the quality of the components and the final product and the gameplay are acceptable, and by playing the game, the players can feel and understand what goes on in mokebs during the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

Furthermore, they highlighted that with more endeavors in increasing the standards, such games can enter the global market and compete with numerous high-quality foreign games as well.

The unveiling ceremony underscored the importance of supporting grassroots initiatives and creative teams focused on entertaining content. It concluded with a collective affirmation to continue developing and promoting culturally relevant games that engage and educate young audiences.

In an interview with the Tehran Times, Nasser Jokar, one of the designers of “Mokebdar,” explained the designing process. “About a year and a half ago, we (in the Rotab Institute) decided to produce a board game with the theme of Arbaeen. In our group, we discussed a lot on how to develop the story and what mechanics we should use. But the main effort was made in the past six months, during which the game art was designed and numerous playtest sessions were held,” he said.

Noting that their game is not just designed for the Iranians, he said: “Our target audience is all the people in the world. It does not matter what religion and ethnicity they have, whether Muslims or Christians, Iranians or foreigners, everyone can enjoy the game. By designing this game, we sought to promote a lifestyle of helping others with a look at what mokebdars do during the Arbaeen pilgrimage”.

Every year, Iran's eastern border serves as a gathering place for pilgrims who make a stop in the country on their journey to Iraq. The coming together of different cultures and people from various backgrounds, year after year, can result in a beautiful fusion of ideas and traditions. This mixing and intertwining of cultures can give rise to new cultural creations and advancements.

Every year, Iranians express their gratitude to the people of Iraq in their heartfelt Arabic elegies, honoring their exceptional hospitality. In turn, the Iraqis graciously extend an invitation to their Iranian guests to participate in various mourning rituals, eagerly expressing their sincere anticipation. 

The Arbaeen pilgrimage has given rise to a deep cultural yearning within the religious literature and eulogizing of both nations that was previously unknown. 

The intermingling and coexistence of Shia pilgrims during the Arbaeen pilgrimage can create a unique opportunity for cultural activists from different countries to come together and foster a sense of familiarity. 

Additionally, the various cultural groups' activities along the path further contribute to this enriching experience. 

As a result of this familiarity, a plethora of international and regional cultural productions have emerged, ranging from captivating documentaries and notable films to impactful critical cultural events. 

This will lead to even greater progress and impact on Shia culture. In recent years, several cultural centers have emerged in a number of countries such as Iran, Iraq, and other neighboring nations, all inspired by the Arbaeen event.

The event serves as a unifying force, strengthening the bond between popular groups from Iran and Iraq, fostering a sense of togetherness. Throughout the year, the bond of unity and friendship will endure, leaving lasting and cherished memories of the pilgrimage in the hearts and minds of the participants.

That's why, in spite of the numerous obstacles, countless individuals strive relentlessly each year to embark on the journey to Karbala for the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

Jokar stressed that they intend to present the game outside Iran as well, especially Arab countries. “The rulebook is being translated into English and Arabic,” he added.

Responding to the query about the role of boardgames as a medium in promoting cultural issues, he said: “As Mostaghim said, a board game tries to convey only a one-line message but we are exposed to and experience that message over and over again. Therefore, such games, especially thematic ones, can indirectly influence people, particularly children and young adults, and help them understand and feel more about the theme the game presents”.

In general, a great rise in board games took place during the 1990s in almost all European countries. At the beginning of the 21st century, there was a clear explosion in the number of produced board games, and today companies of all sizes are creating many new games for very diverse groups of players around the world. Iran is actually a very young market that has grown quite slowly.

Board games, in recent years, have taken new life in the global arena and are becoming one of the most important cultural and educational phenomena. Their sudden outburst is not confined to the Western world but includes even the Middle East, where Iran is located. Simple pastimes have grown into complex, strategy-based board games, leading to a revolution in that field across different age groups and demographics.

Modern board games contain quite a wide range of themes and mechanics: anything from historical simulations to fantasy adventures, cooperative problem-solving, and many more. This breadth is meant to cater to diverse interests, making board games appealing across the board.

In a growingly digital world, board games are a brilliant opportunity for face-to-face interaction. They facilitate social connections and create moments of shared experience, which become all the more valued in an age when most contacts with people are via screens.

Board games are even acknowledged from an educational perspective. They help develop critical thinking, strategic planning, and teamwork skills. They have also been incorporated into the curriculum for educational institutions to improve learning experiences.

The culture of board gaming is on the rise in Iran. Board gaming has strong potential to be developed in this country with its great cultural heritage, finally resulting in a board game related to the values and tales of its people. The future of board games is bright globally and in Iran.

With increased recognition of its cultural, educational, and social values, it will go from being part of our lives to becoming much greater. It is from the collaboration of designers, educators, and cultural institutions that these determinants will fully predicate the potential of board games in an industry that keeps growing by the day. It can therefore not be denied that in education, entertainment, or as a cultural preserver, board games are bound to find their place in determining the future social and cultural landscapes.

SS/