By Kakhi Jordania
A Heritage Written in the Wind
When I first held a falcon on my glove as a young boy growing up near Tbilisi, I did not realize I was touching a living piece of history. The bird’s steady gaze and quiet strength spoke of something ancient, something shared across generations and borders. Falconry in the Caucasus and Central Asia is more than a skill or a pastime. It is a language of respect, patience, and partnership between human and nature that has endured for thousands of years.
This tradition has survived wars, shifting borders, and modernization. It has been passed down not through books, but through practice—by fathers and mothers teaching their children the art of reading the sky and understanding the spirit of a bird. In every village where falcons are still trained, and in every mountain where eagles soar, the legacy of falconry lives on as a reminder of who we are and how deeply we are connected to the wild.
The Origins of a Noble Tradition
The roots of falconry in our region stretch back to the ancient nomads of Central Asia. Long before written records, people of the steppes trained birds of prey to hunt for food and survival. Archaeological discoveries in Kazakhstan and Mongolia show depictions of hunters with falcons dating back more than two thousand years. These early falconers saw birds not just as tools, but as partners—symbols of courage, vision, and loyalty.
In Georgia, falconry was practiced by both commoners and nobility. Medieval records tell of kings and princes keeping falcons in royal courts. In fact, the Georgian word for falconer, mrevli, carries a sense of honor and mastery. Across the Caucasus, falconers were respected members of their communities. Their knowledge of the land, weather, and animal behavior made them invaluable to both hunters and farmers.
The Spiritual Connection
What makes falconry unique in this part of the world is the spiritual connection that runs through it. In many villages, falcons and eagles are believed to carry the blessing of the sky. Their freedom and power are seen as sacred gifts. To train one requires humility and care, not domination.
Among Kazakh eagle hunters, or berkutchi, this belief is especially strong. They often speak of their golden eagles as family members. When an eagle is released back into the wild after years of companionship, the hunter performs a ceremony to thank it for its service and wish it safe journeys. I have witnessed these moments myself, and they are deeply moving. The bond between bird and human, built on mutual trust, is something that words cannot fully describe.
In the Caucasus, falconry is also intertwined with poetry, songs, and folklore. Stories of brave falconers and their birds are passed down through generations. These tales remind us that falconry is not just about the hunt—it is about harmony, courage, and respect for nature’s balance.
A Living Heritage
Today, falconry faces both challenges and opportunities. Urbanization, environmental loss, and declining bird populations threaten the continuity of this tradition. Many young people move to cities and lose touch with rural customs. Yet there is also a growing global recognition of falconry as an important cultural heritage.
In 2010, UNESCO recognized falconry as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with contributions from several countries, including those in the Caucasus and Central Asia. This recognition was more than symbolic. It united falconers from different nations under a shared mission: to protect both the birds and the traditions that honor them.
Through my work with conservation groups, I have seen how this recognition has inspired new projects, from youth training programs to conservation initiatives. In Georgia, we now host workshops and exhibitions where experienced falconers share their skills with younger generations. In Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, festivals celebrating eagle hunting attract visitors from around the world. These gatherings remind us that falconry remains alive, evolving yet rooted in its original spirit.
Tradition Meets Conservation
One of the most important lessons falconry teaches is balance. A true falconer never takes more from nature than he gives back. This principle is vital today, as we face growing environmental threats. Many falconers in the Caucasus and Central Asia are now active in raptor rehabilitation and wildlife preservation.
In my own organization, the Caucasus Raptor Conservation Initiative, we combine traditional knowledge with modern science to protect endangered birds. Falconers are often the first to notice changes in bird populations, migration patterns, or habitat health. Their deep connection to the land makes them natural allies in conservation. By bridging tradition and modernity, we can ensure that the ancient art of falconry contributes to the protection of the very species it relies on.
Passing the Torch
One of my greatest joys is teaching young people about falconry. I have seen the wonder in their eyes when they see a hawk take flight for the first time, or when they feel the weight of a falcon resting calmly on their arm. In those moments, they are not looking at a relic of the past—they are meeting a living teacher.
I tell them that falconry is not just about hunting or spectacle. It is about responsibility, empathy, and patience. A falcon will not respond to force; it responds to trust. In this way, falconry mirrors life itself. The more we try to dominate nature, the more it resists. But when we work with it, when we listen and learn, the results are extraordinary.
Conclusion
Falconry in the Caucasus and Central Asia is not merely an old custom to be remembered—it is a living bridge between humanity and the natural world. It carries the wisdom of our ancestors and the promise of our future.
As I release a falcon into the open air and watch it disappear into the horizon, I am reminded that we are only temporary guardians of this heritage. Our task is to protect it, nurture it, and pass it forward so that future generations will continue to watch the skies with the same awe and respect that our forefathers did.
In that simple act of letting a bird fly free, the entire story of our culture unfolds—a story written in the wind, carried on wings, and kept alive in the hearts of those who still look up.