PIGEONS of KATARA
By Raynald C Rivera
Probably one of the most photographed structures in Katara is the pigeon towers which have been considered a hallmark of the cultural village.
The five imposing towers never fail to attract every visitor’s attention with their unique design punctuated with numerous holes and wood in a beautiful pattern. Unbeknown to many, these structures reflect an important aspect of Arab heritage dating back hundreds of years. This and many more are discussed in detail in a new book released by the Research and Studies Department of Katara.
Authored by Ali Yusef Al Kuwari in collaboration with Dr Ayman Nabih Saadallah, the 214-page Arabic documentary book entitled Carrier Pigeons in Katara delves into the typology, anatomy and physiology of carrier pigeons and their significant role in history with particular focus on the Arab region.
Arabs were known to be one of the first to become aware of the importance of pigeons which were known to exist 20 million years ago. Their sheer fascination of pigeons and their use prompted them to raise and take care of them; in fact they also wrote books on pigeon typology and their characteristics.
During the Abassid Caliphate, Arabs began using pigeons to send messages, besides horses and camels, as well as send signals crucial to people in turbulent times.
The use of carrier pigeons continued until the 12th and 13th Centuries. They were widely used in Egypt, in delivering messages from Cairo to various regions.
The role of carrier pigeons was also vital during the Second World War from 1939 to 1945. Using them to deliver messages during this period was 99 percent successful, that’s why they were considered the first news agency in history and the first postal service in the world.
White carrier pigeons were a product of breeding between wild and other types of domestic pigeons which have strong body structure. Belgium was the first country in the world which domesticated this type of pigeon known for its speed in flying. They began to use it in correspondence and trade since 1850 between different villages and in London and Paris. In 1872 they began to use carrier pigeons in racing competitions.
Pigeons are raised for a number of purposes. While some people rear them as a hobby for their beauty, others raise them for food. There are also those who take care of them to be used in racing competitions.
Trainers take the carrier pigeons out to fly for two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening to get familiar with the area, to strengthen their bodies and get confidence. After months of training they are given time to rest and given a specific amount of food in order not to gain much weight.
One distinct characteristic of pigeons is living in flocks and love for their home. It is for this reason that they can be well domesticated and used to carry messages since they always come back to their homes.
Historical evidences tell pigeons existed 20 million years ago, even before human beings have existed. Based on archaeological findings, they were known to live in mountain caves around the world. Human beings, however, started domesticating them in specially designed houses such as pigeon towers to raise and protect them.
There are five towers for carrier pigeons in Katara, three of which are located in the Western side near the mosque while the other two are in the east side near the Katara corniche.
Built between 2006 and 2007, the towers were made from environment friendly materials including clay and bricks and some pieces of wood used as projecting perches. The pigeon holes and wooden perches form a pattern which serves a decorative purpose owing its unique beauty and appeal that attracts many a passer-by. Each of the towers measure around 4.25m in width and 15m in height and were strategically erected in dry areas which are healthy for pigeons and visible to visitors.
To show the importance of the carrier pigeon and the need to preserve it, Katara recently imported 28 pigeons from abroad which are being bred this year. The 14 pairs were the finest breed known for their intelligence, speed and rarity.
The Peninsula
