The history of falconry in the world
It's one of the oldest relationships between man and bird, a traditional art and cultural practice that involves flying falcons to catch game in its natural environment. Falconry exists in over 60 countries. It probably developed as early as antiquity - and perhaps even earlier - on the steppes of Central Asia, and spread to other countries through cultural and commercial links. The Kyrgyz, nomadic warriors and hunters, are thought to have been among the first to train these birds of prey on the vast, flat steppes. The places where falconry is practiced are linked to the migration routes followed by birds of prey for thousands of years. They follow the migratory routes and corridors of North and East Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North and South Africa. The practice of hunting during Antiquity and the Middle Ages has been documented in many parts of the world.
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 gift, each year, of a falcon trained for hunting! The citizens of Ghent (Belgium) perpetuate their tradition of celebrating the patron saint of falconers, St. Bavo, every October in the eponymous cathedral. Folklore is a direct descendant of this practice. Falconers carry falcons in their fists and are dressed in their traditional garb. This celebration is also considered the start of the hunting season. Numerous groups of hunting horn blowers and the cathedral choir provide musical interludes. It's a very popular event, and the cathedral is packed.
The falcon, the national bird of Qatar
The 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 traditions. Falconry began over 5,000 years ago in Iran, then spread to neighbouring countries over time. In the 7th century, falconry was imported to the Middle East from Central Asia. The wild bird's exceptional hunting skills improved the supply of fresh meat in the diet of nomadic tribes, especially in the desert. Bedouins traveling 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 in the face of the advent of firearms, and became only a refuge for enthusiasts. Falconry, like camel racing and horse riding, is still part of the country's modern culture today.
The falconer, skywatcher
The falcon and its prey have evolved together over millions of years, and their interaction forms the framework of a play that goes back to the dawn of time. Hunting depends on the conformations of an open field, so that the falconer can follow the bird. The environment thus exerts an influence and shapes the local variants of this traditional practice. For example, in the deserts of Arabia, the open ground enables falcons to fly long distances, while the steppes of Asia allow both falcons and great eagles to fly. On the other hand, in wooded regions and semi-open farmland, such as those of Europe, Japan or China, the use of low-flying birds, like goshawks and sparrowhawks, is preferred.
Arab falconry, a true local passion
So, yes, in France we also have an animal park at Rocamadour in the Dordogne, with eagles and birds of prey trained to perform for tourists, reminiscent of this ancestral medieval practice. Its origins can certainly be compared to Arab falconry, which has been popularized throughout the world for centuries. But in Qatar, falconry is not only part of historical folklore, it is also practiced by numerous enthusiasts who pamper their birds like true champions, and 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 winter. The International Falconry Festival (Festival de la fauconnerie et de la chasse) was held for its 15th edition in September 2024, with a high-flying competition in Katara, lasting about a month.
The falcon market and the clinic
In the most easterly and northerly part of Souq Waqif, bordered by Grand Hamad Street, you'll find the Falcon Market. Take the Mirqab Hotel as your starting point and follow the street to the left. Breeders display their feathered treasures, without trying to impress the tourist, as this is a "professional" souk and they know you won't buy them. The minimum price is 30,000 riyals, and prices can climb 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 paraphernalia, which is obviously state-of-the-art. Some don't hesitate to invest in radio monitors and 4x4 trucks, not to mention gloves, bonnets, food, care and so on. Staying in the souk, with distance and discretion, you'll observe the game of business. The falcons, still in the wild (since a buyer's aim is to make them his own falcon), have their eyes covered by a hood on their head to keep them calm, a chain on their leg and are patiently waiting for the shopper.
A falcon clinic equipped with the latest high-tech technology can receive birds of prey at any time for emergencies, and even has rooms for owners to watch over their injured charges. A small museum dedicated to falcons, with maps on the origins of the different species and an interesting cabinet of curiosities, can be visited here. To the question: will I ever get close to a falcon? The answer is yes! Many of the owners, birds of prey in arm, stroll through the Souq to discuss their latest hunting expedition, and are happy to chat with tourists. However, it's best to come in the morning, when the store's falconers bring out their protégés. You may find yourself with a falcon on your arm (with protection) with a professional. Rest assured, if the falconer leaves the head uncovered, it's because the falcon is calm and used to the maneuver. And when he doesn't have his cap on, 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 follows very precise codes. Usually, groups of six to twelve falconers set off on an excursion lasting from one to three weeks. After a day's hunting, they gather around a campfire and tell stories or anecdotes about the day just passed, often composing poems. For the almkhuwa group, falconry is a way of savoring a cultural tradition that celebrates the spirit of camaraderie in the desert. In Arab falconry, the falconer pronounces the name of God in front of the bird or animal caught by his falcon. Falconers take their children into the desert and teach them how to master the falcon and develop a relationship of trust with a bird that is often part of the family. It's a long process that leads the falcon to recognize the falconer's voice. The process also involves perfecting skills such as the art of feeding and carrying the falcon on the fist, or calling the falcon by spinning a decoy.
Falcon, who are you?
There are 6 species: the Amur falcon, the Concolor falcon, the Lanner falcon, the Saker falcon, the Peregrine falcon and the Barbary falcon. Peregrine and Saker falcons are the most popular for hunting training. The Saker falcon(Falco cherrug) is the2nd largest, strongest and most magnificent falcon. The wingspan of the females, larger than the males, can reach 125 cm and weigh up to 1.3 kg, a beautiful beast. 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 swooping flight speed of up to 200 meters and a top speed of almost 300 km/h! These competitive birds, whose vision is eight times greater than that of humans, dive and swoop down on their prey, which has no chance of escape. Falcons have excellent visual acuity even at dawn and dusk, when most hunting takes place. 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, they do not nest, but live mainly on cliffs. They can be found on every continent, from the Arctic to New Zealand. Their wingspan can reach 85 cm in the male and over a meter in the female. They weigh just 900 grams, but their featherweight doesn't prevent them from being robust. It's estimated that these migratory birds cover between 22,000 and 25,000 km a year - they're great travelers!
Today, wild falcons are facing new threats such as pesticides and habitat degradation and loss, which are reducing their population. Falcons are traditionally trapped during their autumn migration, tamed and trained to hunt before being sold on the market. Falconers strive to maintain these populations at national and international level. The species has not been classified as endangered since 1999, despite the DDT scandal which, in the West, decimated this noble bird for years before being banned.
