Amina Al-Anzi: The story of a Saudi falconer from hobby to profession
In an inspiring journey that embodies the deep connection of Saudis to their rich heritage, falconer Amina Al-Anzi, from the Northern Borders region, documented her remarkable career in the world of falcon breeding and training. This journey, which began as an innocent childhood passion, has evolved over time into a professional practice built on continuous learning, patience, and gradual skill acquisition, thus reflecting the commitment of new generations to one of the most important aspects of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's national heritage.
Early passion and overcoming fears
Al-Anzi explained that her passion for falconry began several years ago, specifically in her early childhood when she eagerly watched falconry displays at heritage festivals. This fascination became a tangible reality after she acquired her first falcon, beginning her journey of learning step by step. She noted that the beginnings were not easy, as she was overwhelmed by fear, particularly the anxiety of losing the bird or it not returning during training. However, her persistence and commitment to daily training were enough to break down her fear barrier and build her confidence.
Training techniques and friendship
The Saudi falconer explained that mastering the art of handling birds of prey is neither easy nor a matter of a single moment; rather, it requires considerable time and effort. She highlighted the stage of learning the "lure" (the technique of waving to the bird), describing it as one of the most challenging technical phases in training the bird for attack and maneuvering. She emphasized that building a strong bond between the falconer and their bird is the cornerstone of this field, requiring patience and continuous practice to understand the bird's psychology.
Regarding her preferences, Al-Anzi explained that her interest is focused on “pure gyrfalcons,” known for their beauty and strength. Although they are considered among the falcons that are difficult to train and have tough temperaments compared to others, they became the closest to her heart after she took it upon herself to train them, so that her bird became a companion and an integral part of her daily routine.
Falconry: A global heritage and a deep historical legacy
Amina Al-Anzi's experience cannot be separated from the broader context of falconry's history in the Arabian Peninsula. This sport is not merely a hobby, but a deeply rooted cultural heritage, intertwined with the lives of our forefathers as a means of hunting and survival, before evolving into a traditional sport that reinforces national identity. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts in this field culminated in its leadership of the international effort to register falconry on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, reflecting the global significance of this heritage.
Northern borders... nature's stage for falcons
Al-Anzi's experience gains added significance as it originates from the Northern Borders region, which geographically is one of the most important migration routes for falcons and other birds of prey worldwide. This geographical advantage has made the region a fertile ground for the growth and flourishing of this hobby, as falconers eagerly await the migration seasons to practice their sport, thus fostering opportunities for interaction and the exchange of expertise among the region's inhabitants.
Ambition towards the future
Amina Al-Anzi concludes by emphasizing that she has learned a great deal from this field, which she cherishes, and that she strives to continue developing her professional skills. Al-Anzi aspires to actively participate in the upcoming Falconry Festival in Tarif Governorate, affirming that her goal extends beyond competition to showcasing this rich heritage to new generations and encouraging women to engage in this unique cultural experience.
