Long Donkey Game

Long Donkey Game is a traditional children’s game played for many years across many regions of Türkiye, though its exact origins are unknown. Typically preferred by boys, the game is common among children aged 8 to 15. It can be played outdoors or indoors and requires no equipment.

In addition to encouraging physical activity, the game fosters social interaction and teamwork skills. It also supports language development through its chants and rhymes.

How to Play (Current General Rules)

• Players are divided into two teams: one becomes the “lying team” and the other the “jumping team.”
• One player, called the “pillow,” leans with their back against a wall. The other members of the lying team take turns placing their heads between the legs of the person in front of them, kneeling and remaining still.
• Members of the jumping team take turns running and leaping onto the backs of the lying team.
• The goal is for the jumping team to mount the entire back of the lying team without causing it to collapse.
• If a jumper falls to the ground or the lying team breaks formation, the teams switch roles.
• If the jumping team succeeds, the following rhyme is recited:

Our village’s imam,

Provides straw from below,

Releases smoke from above,

He clapped, burst, and ran off?

• Then one of the jumpers makes a number gesture with their fingers (odd or even). One member of the lying team guesses the number. If the guess is correct, the teams switch roles; if not, play continues with the same roles.

Regional Variations in Play

• Konya: During play, the “master” counts using hand gestures and asks the players below, “Çatal matal kaç beş çatal?” The counting also includes variations such as “bir para, iki para...”
• Niğde: The game is known both as “Long Donkey” and “Kara Tavuk.” The lying team is determined by a counting rhyme, and the game is played with the rhyme “Gara tavuk beş getir...”
• İzmir (Ödemiş/Kurucuova): The game may be called “Yamuk Eşek” or “Çulçul.” It follows the same structure but uses different rhymes.
• Şanlıurfa: The question “Kılıç mı, topuz mu?” is asked; the answer depends on the hand position. The “ebe” or “hoca” directs the game.
• Antalya: The two teams are called “kurt” and “ebe.” The team that stumbles or whose foot touches the ground during counting switches roles.
• Kastamonu: The game is played under the name “Ambar Göçtü.” The team that cannot hold the formation becomes the ebe again.
• Ankara – Çubuk: After the rhyme, a number is shown and the players below guess “tek” or “çift.” If the guess is correct, roles switch. The order of play may be determined by counting rhymes or by breaking sticks.
• Hatay – Antakya: Penalties are given at the end of the game, such as imitating animals.
• Edirne: The ebe becomes the pillow and the game is played with the question “Topuz mu, çatal mı?”

Educational and Social Contributions

• Physical development: Supports the development of strength, balance, and coordination.
• Social development: Strengthens teamwork, sharing, waiting for turns, and leadership skills.
• Language development: The use of counting rhymes, chants, and regional dialects within the game enhances children’s language and communication abilities.