Egyptians falconers celebrate falconry heritage in Alexandria

CAIRO – 18 November 2018: Egyptian falconers have gathered in the heart of the golden desert of Alexandria to mark the 6^th edition of the World Falconry Day (WFD).

Falconers arrived in Borg El Arab, north of Cairo, as they carefully watched his falcons soaring through the skies and diving down rapidly to catch little pigeons.

The event, which is being marked annually on Nov. 16, is meant to spread awareness about birds of prey through carrying out a number of activities.

The World Falconry Day celebrates the tradition, art, culture and heritage of falconry which has been practised around the world for over 4000 years.

Mohamed Mowafy, a member of the club, said falconry in Egypt dated back to the ancient Egyptians' worship of the falcon-headed god Horus.

The celebration brought together falconers from across Egypt and included a competition that featured more than 10 types of birds of prey, including a two-year-old golden eagle owned by Yasser al-Khawanky.

Egyptian peers and falconry clubs adopt the principles of the International Association for Falconry (IAF) which are dedicated to the preservation of the ancient art of falconry.

Sayed al-Sayed, one of the organizers and admin of "Egyptian Sniper" falconry group on Facebook, said the event is co-organized by four falconry clubs in Egypt.