This backgammon set is one of four which I designed and made myself. It reminds me of my beloved Baghdad, with its narrow alleys, its cafés and the beautiful wooden carving you can find in people’s houses. In particular, in my family’s house which I haven’t seen for 23 years. I made this backgammon set when I was ill and undergoing chemotherapy after discovering that I had cancer. Making this set was my own way of curing myself. Every corner of my house in London brings Baghdad closer to me.