Tier is the most popular in the land of the cup and can trade for up to R$1.5 million
November 30, 2022 5:00 am
(updated at 06:37)
Falcon Souq Qatar is the specialized place for falcon care
Photo: Aline Kueller/Terra
The old center of Doha is one of the main tourist attractions for people in Qatar to watch the World Cup. On the one hand, Souq Waqif brings together fans, music, restaurants and many typical shops. At the other end, Falcon Souq Qatar is the specialized place for falcon care, a national passion.
It is possible to identify the region destined for the birds through the sound warning promoted by the animals. It was that sound that reassured the report that it was going in the right direction. Even the strong smell of the market where the falcons are exhibited leaves no doubt as to their presence. The smell can turn the stomach of the most sensitive sense of smell, as in the case of the reporter.
National Passion: Falcons have a hospital and specialized market in Qatar pic.twitter.com/h3GINwGLp6
—Aline (@alinekuller) November 29, 2022
Two hundred patients a day
Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital treats an average of 200 patients per day. Owners don’t have to worry about the cost since All treatments are funded by the government🇧🇷 The structure is luxurious: marble floors, air conditioning and stateoftheart appliances. The place performs surgeries and examinations and has a large inventory of feather transplants that are collected from other animals and kept in drawers.
—Aline (@alinekuller) November 29, 2022
The hospital attracts the attention of tourists especially during the World Cup. Guided tours are free. The person in charge of the tour explains that all birds have an identification, a kind of ring that is attached to the falcon with the owner’s data. Some animals are even identified by microchips to help locate them.
Photo: Aline Kueller/Terra
Despite their diligence, hawks are known for their loyalty. They can fly away, but they always come back to their owners. They also only accept food from those for whom they were created. Don’t try to buy these birds by mouth.
Can I have one? Is expensive?
Now if you want to buy a falcon as a pet, you better prepare your bag. The market in front of the hospital offers several shops with a wide variety of bird species. I mean that’s what sellers guarantee. To the reporter who saw this species for the first time, they looked very similar, not to say the same. The value varies approximately between 2,000 rials and 1 million rials BRL 3,000 to BRL 1.5 million🇧🇷
Photo: Aline Kueller/Terra
The prize is determined by the falcons’ speed, which can reach up to 390 km/h, and their feathers, according to an official. The seller explained that it was possible to identify these features just by observing the birds.
The market also offers a wide range of falcon accessories, which are in demand by tourists for the traditional photo with the bird. Most often, for registration, you do not even need to ask or offer money, the employees themselves will offer you the opportunity to carry the animal for a few moments.
Falconry is a cultural hallmark of the people of the Middle East. The animals even have permission to travel to the region by plane. They are known for their excellence in hunting and for their excellent eyesight, far superior to that of humans.
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