Iraq’s Ancient Game of Mheibes Unites Communities During Ramadan
In a vibrant arena in Baghdad, the rhythmic beat of drums fills the air as crowds cheer not for a football match, but for “mheibes,” a centuries-old game that brings Iraqis together during the holy month of Ramadan.
“It’s a heritage game, the game of our ancestors, which unites all Iraqis,” said Jassem al-Aswad, a seasoned mheibes champion in his early seventies and president of the national federation.
Mheibes is a game of strategy and intuition. One team hides a ring—known as a “mehbis” in Arabic—while the opposing team’s captain has just 10 minutes to guess which player is concealing it in their palm. The game requires keen observation of facial expressions and body language, making it as much a mental challenge as a cultural tradition.
On March 19, 2025, more than 500 fans and players gathered at Al-Shaab Stadium in Baghdad to witness two thrilling matches. The first pitted the Baghdad neighborhood of Kadhimiya against the southern city of Nasiriyah, while the second saw Al-Mashtal district face off against a team from the port city of Basra.
As the games began, the 40 players on one team huddled under a blanket to secretly decide who would hide the ring. Once the decision was made, the players sat with serious expressions, some closing their eyes, others crossing their arms or clenching their fists. The rival team’s captain carefully studied their demeanor, attempting to identify the ring-bearer. When the guess was incorrect, the opposing team scored a point, sparking cheers from the crowd.
A Game Rooted in Tradition
“Iraqis love football the most, but mheibes comes a close second. It’s in our blood,” said Baqer al-Kazimi, captain of the Kadhimiya team. The 51-year-old, dressed in a traditional black jellaba, shared that his passion for the game was inherited from his father.
Despite decades of conflict, including the sectarian violence that plagued Iraq between 2006 and 2008, mheibes remained a beloved pastime. Kazimi recalled playing the game even during those turbulent years, often in cafes. The only interruption came during the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily halted the tradition.
Ahmed Maala from Basra shared his own memories of the game, including an all-night match against a team from Baghdad. “I learned the game by playing with friends and family,” he said. “Mheibes will go down in history for its very large fan base throughout Iraq.”
A Game That Sparks Passion
The intensity of mheibes sometimes leads to heated arguments among players, occasionally escalating into physical altercations. Yet, the game’s popularity continues to grow, with nearly 400 teams across Iraq participating in annual competitions. In Baghdad alone, 10 teams qualify to represent the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Jassem al-Aswad, the mheibes champion, dreams of taking the game beyond Iraq’s borders. “Just as Brazil popularised football, we will transmit this game to the whole world,” he said.
Mheibes is more than just a game—it’s a symbol of unity, resilience, and cultural pride for Iraqis. As the drums beat and the crowds cheer, this ancient tradition continues to bring people together, celebrating a shared heritage that transcends time and conflict.
