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.

Mongolia - Traditional craftsmanship of the Mongol Ger and its associated customs

"Craftsmanship of the Mongol Ger is a traditional enterprise involving the labour of a household or group, with men carving the wood and both women and men engaged in painting, sewing and stitching, and felt-making. The Ger is a round structure of walls, poles and a peaked roof covered with canvas and felt, and tightened with ropes. It is light enough for nomads to carry; flexible enough to fold and pack; and sturdy enough to be dismantled and reassembled. The Ger can withstand Mongolia’s fierce spring winds. The structure is the same across the country: a wooden frame painted and decorated with traditional ornamentation, covers made of white felt and canvas, ropes of animal hair, flooring and carpets of hand-sewn felt, and furniture. Traditional craftsmanship is taught to the younger generations, principally through mentoring by a senior craftsperson. Dismantling and reassembling the Ger are always family operations, with children learning by watching their elders. Cutting and preparing sheep’s wool, making felt, stitching canvas and preparing woodwork are usually communal endeavours. As a traditional dwelling, the Mongol Ger plays an important social and cultural role for nomadic families and its makers are highly respected."

Source: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Golden autumn with the traditional Mongol Ger tents depicting the traditional nomadic Mongolian life style. A beautiful stamp. Thanks to Tsetsegee, a travel agent in Mongolia, for sending me two beautiful postcards.

Mongolia - Naadam, Mongolian Traditional Festival

"Naadam is a national festival celebrated every year from 11 to 13 July across Mongolia that focuses on three traditional games: horseracing, wrestling and archery. Mongolian Naadam is inseparably connected to the nomadic civilization of the Mongols, who have long practiced pastoralism on Central Asia’s vast steppe. Oral traditions, performing arts, national cuisine, craftsmanship, and cultural forms such as long song, Khöömei overtone singing, Bie biyelgee dance and Morin khuur fiddle also feature prominently during Naadam. Mongolians follow special rituals and practices during the festival, such as wearing unique costumes and using distinctive tools and sporting items. Festival participants revere the sportsmen, sportswomen, and children who compete, and winners are rewarded titles for their achievements. Ritual praise songs and poems are dedicated to the contestants in the events. Everyone is allowed and encouraged to participate in Naadam, thus nurturing community involvement and togetherness. The three types of sports are directly linked with the lifestyles and living conditions of the Mongols and their transmission is traditionally undertaken through home-schooling by family members, although formalized training regimens have recently developed for wrestling and archery. The rituals and customs of Naadam also accentuate respect for nature and the environment." Source: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Postcard 1
The nine white flags on flagpoles are made from tail hair of 1000 white stallions from all over Mongolia - symbol of Mongolia government independence. Thanks to Julie who went for Naadam festival and bought and sent this postcard from Mongolia.

Postcard 2

Wrestling is a national sport in Mongolia. Thanks to Julie for sending this second postcard from Mongolia.