Pigeon Keeper

In the old memory of Baghdad, “Mutairchi”, the pigeon keeper was a unique and beloved figure an enthusiast of homing pigeons, known for his deep passion for these birds and his skill in training them and sending them on long flights, whether for leisure or, in earlier times, to carry messages.

The hobby of pigeon keeping was an integral part of Baghdadi culture and a source of pride among “Mutairchiya”, the pigeon keepers, who held a special place in society due to their expertise, patience, and spiritual bond with the birds.

Their world was filled with a spirit of competition, as each prided himself on owning the most beautiful, fastest, and smartest pigeons. Some were humble and ordinary folk, while others were merchants or wealthy men who collected rare breeds and proudly showcased them in gatherings.

The rooftops of homes became the stage for this passion, where cages were set up and pigeons were released into the sky, followed by the admiring gazes of neighbors and friends. People saw in the “Mutairchi” a symbolic link between earth and sky, between home and the vast open space above.

Though lifestyles have changed, the hobby still lives on in some traditional neighborhoods of Baghdad and other Iraqi cities, albeit with less prominence than it once enjoyed. Yet the story of the “Mutairchi” remains a living chapter of heritage, one that continues to soar in the collective memory.