Germany – Saudi Arabia – Austria – Belgium – United Arab Emirates – Spain – France – Hungary – Italy – Kazakhstan – Morocco – Mongolia – Pakistan – Portugal – Qatar – Syrian Arab Republic – Republic of Korea – Czechia - Falconry, A Living Human Heritage

"Originally a method of obtaining food, the practice of falconry has evolved over time to be more associated with nature conservation, cultural heritage and social engagement within and amongst communities. Following their own set of traditions and ethical principles, falconers train, fly and breed birds of prey (which includes besides falcons, birds such as eagles and hawks) developing a bond with them and becoming their main source of protection. The practice, present in many countries around the world, may vary regarding certain aspects, for example the type of equipment used but the methods remain similar. Falconers regard themselves as a group and may travel weeks at a time engaging in the practice, while in the evenings recounting stories of the day together. They consider falconry as providing a connection to the past, particularly for communities for which the practice is one of their few remaining links with their natural environment and traditional culture. Knowledge and skills are transmitted in an intergenerational manner within families by formal mentoring, apprenticeship or training in clubs and schools. In some countries, a national examination must be passed in order to become a falconer. Field meets and festivals provide opportunities for communities to share knowledge, raise awareness and promote diversity."

Source: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Collected: Austria, France, Mongolia, Qatar, UAE, Germany (6 countries)

Missing: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Pakistan, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Syria (missing 13 countries)

Postcard 1 - Falconry in France 

Spectacle de Fauconnerie Equestre was held in Provins. Thanks to Sylvie of France who went to see this performance and bought this postcard.

Postcard 2 - Falconry in Mongolia

A postcard of Mongolian falconry. Falconry is now listed in 2010 as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Mongolia, France, UAE and other countries. This is my 3rd postcard sent from Mongolia. Thanks to Cliffe.

Postcard 3 - Falconry in Qatar

Falconry in Qatar. Thanks to Ashraf of Qatar.

Postcard 4A - Falconry of United Arab Emirates

Falcons are important in UAE. Falcon is seen in the UAE stamps used. Thanks to Cazz of UK for sending this card from Ras Al Khaimal, one of the seven emirates of UAE.

Postcard 4B - Falconry in UAE

Awesome postcard of falconry of UAE. Thanks to Jean-Pierre France for mailing from Sharjah, UAE.

Postcard 4C - Falconry in UAE 

Nice falcon postcard with matching falcon stamps. Thanks to Jean-Pierre of France.

Postcard 4D - Falconry in UAE 

Falcon Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates with special Dubai Expo 2020 cancelation. Thanks to Jean-Pierre of France. Postmarked March 23, 2022 and arrived on April 1, 2022.

Postcard 4E - Falconry in UAE 

A nice Falconry postcard of Dubai, UAE. Thanks to Jean-Pierre of France.

Postcard 5 - Falconry in Germany 

The falconry motif of a staircase tile of Falkenlust Hunting Lodge, Bruhl, Germany. Falconru is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Germany. Thanks to Marcel of Germany.

Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen -Date palm, knowledge, skills, traditions and practices

"The date palm has been connected to the regional population of the submitting States for centuries, serving both as the source of numerous associated crafts, professions and social and cultural traditions, customs and practices, and as a key form of nutrition. The date palm is an evergreen plant typically associated with dry climates, where the roots of the plant penetrate deeply into the earth in search of humidity. Bearers and practitioners include date palm farm owners, farmers who plant, nurture and irrigate the date palm offshoots, craftspeople who produce traditional products using various parts of the palm tree, date traders, creative individuals and performers of associated folkloric tales and poems. The Date palm, knowledge, skills, traditions and practices have played a pivotal role in strengthening the connection between people and the land in the Arab region, helping them face the challenges of the harsh desert environment. This historic relationship in the region and the element has produced a rich cultural heritage of related practices between people in the region, knowledge and skills maintained to this day. The cultural relevance and proliferation of the element over the centuries prove how committed the local communities are to sustaining it; this is achieved through collective participation in multiple date-palm related activities and numerous festive rituals, traditions and customs."

Source: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Postcard 1
Date palms in Al Ain Oasis, Abu Dhabi. Thanks to Heidi for mailing from UAE.

Postcard 2

Date palms in Fajal Daris of Oman. Thanks to Jean-Pierre of France.