Canadian Chess Master

Here’s a famous image of a couple of Arab chaps in 1283, perhaps enjoying a break from the Crusades, and playing a game of Shatranj.

“Hurry Ali! We must finish or the Shah will make us his next eunuchs!”

Shatranj or not, the position doesn’t seem to make sense, as Black is missing (or has removed) his king. Perhaps Ali, tugging furtively at his chin, is contemplating unsheathing his double-bladed shamshir and beheading his infidel opponent for such treachery!