Winners and judges pose with trophies during a pigeon beauty championship in the Al-Maqal area of Basra governorate, where Iraqi breeders competed with Kashki, Uzbeki and Long Face pigeons before judges from Iraq, the Gulf and Europe. Photo by 964media.
Basra pigeon championship draws Gulf, European judges
BASRA — Iraqi pigeon breeders showcased locally bred birds with roots tracing to distant continents during a beauty championship in the al-Maqal area, drawing praise from foreign and Gulf judges for their quality and presentation.
The competition featured three pigeon types — Kishki, Uzbeki and Long Face — which Iraqi breeders have refined to compete in international beauty contests. Judges from Romania, Oman and Bahrain attended, and the three bird clubs announced the formation of a joint federation.
Romanian judge Marius A. One, visiting Iraq for judging duties for the first time, said: “The judging task in Iraq was not easy, but it was enjoyable, as the bird levels are very high.”
Mohammed Jassim, head of the Iraqi Kishki Pioneers Club and winner of the champions’ title, told 964media the club started in 2021. “We benefited greatly from the Romanian judge, who added a lot for us and clarified matters we were unaware of,” he said. “The federation of the three clubs has now started, and the competition will be held annually through personal efforts.”
Bahraini judge Sami Matar, who specializes in Kishki pigeons, said the breed is of African origin but imported from Europe at certain standards. “As for the levels currently in Iraq, especially in Basra governorate, I see them as very advanced and competitive at the Gulf level,” he said.
Matar said the three most important judging points are “the head area, the upward feather direction that creates color in the chest area, and the pantaloons.”
Mortadha Hassan, head of the Iraqi Uzbeki Club, explained the scoring system: “The head 20 points, the eye 5 points, the crest 15 points, the nasal flesh 5 points, the beak 20 points, the pants 15 points, the body 5 points, behind the pants 5 points, and the eye ring 5 points.”
Omani judge Yaqoub al-Shamsi described the Uzbek pigeon as originating from Uzbekistan, distinguished by its front and back crest, chest prominence and elegant form. “I was a judge for this club last year as well, and I notice a big development this year in terms of specifications and bird readiness,” he said. “The levels in Iraq compete strongly with the Gulf and Arab countries.”
Bahraini judge Jameel al-Sheikh presented the English Long Face pigeon, describing it as a British bird that entered Bahrain in the late 1970s before spreading across the Gulf and Middle East. He said the World Pigeon Federation sets standards, with judging conducted on 120 points including 100 for the body and 20 for the pantaloons.