Medina… Hunting and raising falcons is an authentic heritage across generations

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Medina… Hunting and raising falcons is an authentic heritage across generations

represents a hobby Hunting falcons and raising them is one of the most prominent aspects of the authentic heritage in The Arabian Peninsula, especially among the people of the Medina, who preserved this authentic heritage across generations, and made it part of their cultural and social identity.

This practice is considered one of the oldest Arab arts associated with the desert and wildlife, as in the past it was a means of hunting and living before it turned into a heritage hobby that enjoys official support in the Kingdom.
Breeding is widespread in Medina. Falcons in a number of governorates and rural areas, especially in the northern and eastern regions, as people accept to acquire falcons and train them in the arts of hunting according to precise, inherited methods, starting with selecting the falcon, and continuing through the training period known locally as"Astonishment"all the way to participating in seasonal fishing trips that take into account environmental regulations and regulations.

Fishing in October

October is considered a major season For hunting birds in the region, according to Al-Tarouh Zaid bin Muhammad Al-Harbi, who explains that hunting enthusiasts gather during this month to practice the hobby coinciding with the migration of birds such as the peregrine falcon, so that the season becomes an opportunity for sustenance, education, and entertainment.
He points out that the Al-Muqannas sites on the western coast of the Kingdom are specific and well-known, the most prominent of which are "Al-Shaalan, Al-Hanu, Al-Rayyis, Al-Mujaz, Al-Shuaiba, Al-Mastourah, Al-Kharrar, and Al-Mujarimah"He stressed that Al-Mujarimah is considered one of the best Al-Mqannas sites on the West Coast.

Falconers in Medina pay great attention to feeding falcons and taking care of their health, and they use inherited traditional tools such as "Burqa" and"The precedence" and"Al-Malawah"
Traders and traps are also used to monitor or catch birds, especially those that the falconers were unable to catch directly. Hunting often continues from morning until night to ensure the success of the operation, while adhering to environmental regulations and protecting birds that are legally permitted to be hunted.

Training and supporting youth

For more than 40 years, hunting experts have passed on their knowledge. and their experiences to new generations, emphasizing the importance of practicing the hobby in a responsible and enjoyable manner, and focusing on education first, and specialized clubs contribute to training young people and supporting them to continue this ancient legacy.
Madinah Al-Munawarah witnesses the active participation of falconers in festivals and heritage events organized by official bodies; With the aim of documenting the national heritage and transmitting it to future generations, in parallel with national efforts aimed at protecting wildlife and ensuring the sustainability of environmental diversity.

The Kingdom works through the Saudi Falcon Club and the regulations governing the breeding, hunting and export of falcons, in accordance with international treaties for the protection of endangered species.
These efforts confirm that hunting falcons Raising birds in Medina is no longer just a traditional hobby, but has become part of a national project to enhance heritage and cultural identity, while preserving the environmental balance and developing heritage tourism in the region, especially during the hunting seasons, which embodies the people’s passion and love for birds and hunting.