Yapboz

Yapboz is the Turkish term for a jigsaw puzzle, a puzzle consisting of many interlocking pieces that fit together to form a single image. The pieces are usually uniquely shaped to guide assembly, and the completed puzzle reveals a picture or design. Yapboz are produced in a variety of sizes, piece shapes, and subject matter, and may be sold as educational tools or leisure activities.

Most modern yapboz are made of cardboard, though wooden and plastic variants exist. The pieces are cut so that edge shapes and image cues aid the solver. Puzzles can range from a few dozen pieces to several thousand, with finishes that may be glossy or matte; some designs use lenticular prints or layered images for added complexity.

History and development: the concept originated in the 18th century in Britain when mapmaker John Spilsbury created the first dissected puzzle to teach geography. These early puzzles were educational and featured engravings mounted on wood and cut into pieces. Over time, production shifted to cardboard and a wide array of subjects emerged. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, jigsaw puzzles became widely popular around the world, and modern formats include themed, 3D, and digitally simulated variants.

In Turkish usage, yapboz has become a common term for both traditional wooden puzzles and contemporary cardboard puzzles sold for home, school, and hobby markets. They are used in education to teach topics such as geography and language, and in cognitive training and therapy to support focus and problem-solving skills. Turkish publishers and retailers offer subjects ranging from landscapes and animals to art reproductions, as well as custom photo puzzles. See also: jigsaw puzzle.