The history of falconry in the world
Falconry is one of the oldest relationships between humans and birds, a traditional art and cultural practice that involves flying falcons to catch game in their natural environment. Falconry exists in over 60 countries. It probably developed as early as antiquity - and perhaps even earlier - in the steppes of Central Asia, and spread to other countries through cultural and commercial links. The Kyrgyz, nomadic warriors and hunters, would have been among the first to train these birds of prey in the vast, flat steppes suitable for hunting. The places where falconry is practiced are linked to the migration routes followed by raptors for thousands of years. They follow the migratory routes and corridors of North and East Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North and South Africa. Its practice during Antiquity and the Middle Ages is documented in many parts of the world.
Thus, in 1530 in Europe, Emperor Charles V gave the island of Malta to the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in exchange for the symbolic delivery, each year, of a falcon trained for hunting! The citizens of Ghent (Belgium) continue their tradition of celebrating, every October, the patron saint of falconers, Saint Bavo, in the eponymous cathedral. A folklore that comes directly from this practice. Falconers carry falcons in their fists and are dressed in their traditional clothing. This celebration is also considered the beginning of the hunting season. Multiple groups of hunting horn blowers as well as the cathedral choir produce musical interludes. It is a very popular event and the cathedral is full.
The falcon, the national bird of Qatar
This bird is the emblem of Qatar, but also of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman and other countries that share the importance of falconry in their tradition. Falconry began more than 5,000 years ago in Iran and spread to neighboring countries over time. In the seventh century, falconry was brought to the Middle East from Central Asia. The exceptional hunting skills of this wild bird improved the supply of fresh meat in the diet of nomadic tribes, especially in the desert. The Bedouins who travelled throughout the Arabian Peninsula introduced this tradition to Qatar, to hunt migratory birds passing over the desert. But in the 17th and 18th centuries, falconry fell into disuse with the arrival of firearms and became only a refuge for enthusiasts. Falconry, like camel racing and horseback riding, is still part of the country's modern culture today.
The falconer, skywatcher
The falcon and its prey have evolved together for millions of years, and their interaction forms the backdrop for a play that goes back to the dawn of time. The hunt depends on the conformations of an open field, so that the falconer can follow the bird. The environment thus influences and shapes local variations of this traditional practice. For example, in the deserts of Arabia, open ground allows falcons to fly long distances, and the steppes of Asia allow both falcons and large eagles to fly. On the other hand, in wooded areas and semi-open farmlands, such as those of Europe, Japan or China, the use of low-flying birds, such as goshawks and hawks, is preferred
Arab falconry, a true local passion
So, yes, we also have in France an animal park in Rocamadour in the Dordogne with eagles and birds of prey trained to perform in front of tourists, which reminds us of this ancestral medieval practice. It is certainly close to the Arab falconry by its origin which was popularized in the world for centuries. But in Qatar, it is not only part of the historical folklore, it is practiced by many enthusiasts who pamper their birds like real champions, it is part of the intrinsic culture of the Arabian Peninsula. These birds of prey are associated with wealth and nobility, as owning a healthy falcon is a matter of fortune and time. The falconry and hunting season begins in October and there are many demonstrations in the winter. The International Falconry Festival, now the MARMI Festival (Falconry and Hunting Festival), was held for its 13th year in January 2022 with a high profile competition in Katara, lasting about a month. Four falconers received a prize of 100,000 riyals and the finalist a new car!
The falcon market and the clinic
In the easternmost and northernmost part of Souq Waqif, bordered by Grand Hamad Street, you will find the Falcon Market. Take the Mirqab Hotel as your starting point and walk down the street to the left. The breeders present their feathered treasures, without trying to impress the tourist because it is a "professional" souk and they know that you are not going to buy. You have to pay at least 30,000 riyals and prices can go up to over a million to buy the rare bird! Qataris spend fortunes - if you love it, don't count it - to buy all the falconer's gear, obviously the latest. Some don't hesitate to invest in radio monitors, 4x4 trucks, not to mention the gloves, caps, food, care, etc. Staying in the souk, with distance and discretion, you will observe the business game. The falcons still in the wild (since the goal of a buyer is to make them his falcon) have their eyes covered by a hood on their head that keeps them calm, a chain on their leg and are patiently waiting for the customer.
A falcon clinic equipped with the latest high-tech technology can receive raptors at any time in emergencies and even has rooms for masters to watch over their injured protege. A small museum dedicated to falcons, with maps on the origin of the different species and an interesting curiosity cabinet can be visited here. To the question: will I have the opportunity to approach a falcon? The answer is yes! Many of the owners, with a bird of prey on their arm, stroll around the Souq to discuss their latest hunting trip and are happy to chat with tourists. Come in the morning though, when the falconers in the stores bring out their protégés. You may find yourself with a falcon on your arm (with protection) with a professional. Don't worry if the falconer leaves it with its head uncovered, it's because the falcon is calm and used to the maneuver. And when he doesn't have his cap on his head, it's always quite impressive to have his eyes so close to his hooked beak!
Brotherly hunting parties
Almkhuwa means the bond of companionship and equal sharing of tasks, costs and responsibilities during a hunting party. And indeed, a hunting party is conducted according to specific codes. It usually involves groups of six to twelve falconers going out for a period of one to three weeks. After a day of hunting, they gather around a campfire and tell stories or anecdotes about the day that has just passed, often composing poems. For the almkhuwa group, falconry is a way to savor a cultural tradition that celebrates the spirit of camaraderie in the desert. In Arab falconry, the falconer pronounces the name of God before the bird or animal caught by his falcon. Falconers take their children into the desert and teach them how to control the falcon and develop a trusting relationship with a bird that is often part of the family. It is a long process that leads the falcon to recognize the falconer's voice. This process also includes learning skills such as feeding and carrying the falcon on the fist, or calling the falcon by spinning a decoy.
Falcon, who are you?
Wild falcons are now facing new threats such as pesticides, habitat degradation and loss, which is reducing their population. Falcons are traditionally trapped during their fall migration, tamed and trained to hunt before being sold on the market. Falconers are working to maintain these populations nationally and internationally. The species is no longer classified as endangered since 1999, despite the DDT scandal that decimated this noble bird in the West for years before being banned. There are 6 species: the Amur Falcon, the Peregrine Falcon, the Lancer Falcon, the Saker Falcon and the Barbary Falcon. Peregrine and Saker falcons are the most popular for hunting training. The Saker falcon(Falco cherrug) because it is thesecond largest falcon, strong and beautiful. The wingspan of the females, more imposing than the males, can reach 125 cm and can weigh up to 1.3 kg, a beautiful beast. It is found in North Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East and Central Asia. The peregrine falcon(Falco peregrinus) is nothing less than the fastest animal in the world with a hunting speed of up to 200 meters and reaching almost 300 km/h! These competitive birds with eight times the vision of humans dive and pounce on their prey, which has no chance of escape. Falcons have a very high visual acuity even at dawn and dusk, as most of the hunting activity takes place at these times. They almost exclusively capture other birds in flight, so the spectacle is all the more striking. These hunters can live between 12 and 15 years. In the wild, it does not make a nest but lives in cliffs mainly. It exists on all continents, from the Arctic to New Zealand. Its wingspan can reach 85 cm for the male and even more than a meter for the female. It weighs only 900 grams but its featherweight does not prevent its robustness. It is estimated that this migratory bird travels between 22,000 and 25,000 km per year, a great traveler!
