Despite the fast pace of modern life and the rise of apartment living, Diyarbakır has preserved a unique and deeply rooted pigeon-keeping culture. Thousands in the city continue to care for pigeons they lovingly call their “silent confidants.”
Diyarbakır Pigeon Hotels: A Shelter in the City
As apartment life restricts keeping birds at home, pigeon enthusiasts rent space in “pigeon hotels”—dedicated facilities where their birds are housed and cared for. For many, these are not just bird shelters, but emotional sanctuaries. Zülal Erat, known as “Pigeon Sister,” moved from Istanbul to Diyarbakır and opened a 21-room pigeon hotel, challenging gender norms and breaking stereotypes in a male-dominated hobby.
600 Years of Heritage and the World’s First Pigeon Festival
Diyarbakır’s native pigeon breeds are grouped into four categories, with 18 distinct varieties known for their beauty, behavior, and symbolism. The region is believed to have hosted the world’s first pigeon festival in 1516 in Silvan. Even local dance figures—like those in the “Diyarbakır Kırıkları” folk dance—draw inspiration from pigeon movements.
Pigeon breeds unique to Diyarbakır are grouped into four main categories, totaling 18 distinct varieties:
- Göğsüak Group (White-chested): Küreng, Atlas, Zeytuni, Gugala, Narinci Ciğeri
- Kekme Group: Bozak, Kekme Ciğeri, Kekme Atlas
- Uçaklı Group (Wing-patterned): Zengu, Yusufi, Kara, Niski
- Göğsü Açık Group (Open-chested): Parçalı, Siyah Parçalı, Mısırı, Beyaz, Kurugök, Kurukara
Additionally, there are birds called “Habeş”, which do not possess the specific traits of any of these groups.
Pigeons: From Messengers to Therapists
Historical records state that in 1515, a carrier pigeon brought word of an incoming Ottoman army, helping the city of Diyarbakır resist an Iranian siege. Today, pigeons are seen as therapeutic companions. English and German teacher S.A. says, “They are mute confidants. You talk to them, spend time with them, and they bring peace.”
United by Wings: A Classless Community
Pigeon keeping in Diyarbakır unites people from all walks of life—teachers, doctors, engineers, laborers, and students. Agricultural engineer Vehbi calls it “the only organized community that knows no social classes.” He emphasizes the artistic and aesthetic value of pigeons over performance or commercial traits.
A Cultural Legacy in Need of Protection
Hasan Hüseyin Tuğcu, head of Diyarbakır’s Pigeon and Carrier Pigeon Association, has fought for official recognition and registry of local pigeon breeds. Despite government-supported academic efforts, pigeons are still classified as wild forest birds in Turkey. Tuğcu notes that unlike Europe’s 200 years of scientific research on pigeons, Turkey has yet to provide sufficient legal and scientific support.
Pigeon Culture of Diyarbakır: Feathered Memory
Diyarbakır’s pigeons represent more than a hobby—they are a living embodiment of the city’s memory, folklore, and soul. The local community’s dedication to preserving this tradition is a testament to their cultural pride and emotional resilience—an ode to the healing power of a single wingbeat.
