Birds of Prey on the Central Black Sea of Ottoman Realm (1485-1830)

Abstract

Canik was also one of the home-lands for the falconry of Ottoman Empire. In our study we detected 17 towns in where falconry fiefs located and 24 “rocky” nests in where flying predators lay their eggs. These fiefs in that falconry proceeds were also taken care of field work and husbandry, mostly sheep, goat and beeves or hives. If they complied with the Porte’s summons, then they were exempted from the burdens and taxes. However if they fail to do complete the duty they were objected to the taxes and also a fine of 300 silver aspers to pay instead of the each hunting-birds as of that they were obliged to take to the Porte. These fiefs in where falconry exists were also obliged to take part within the Sultans’ hunting along with the tamed birds of predator. In so far it can be concluded that the falconry in the Ottoman Empire were also serve as to top-secret communication, military drill and rural espionage. It can be understood that hunting birds’ breeding in Ottoman State had its own existence as a result of a military tradition. It therefore the falconry along with other birds of predator was registered under the fief that was endowed to the class of sword-holder. The falconry staff was represented at its highest level within the court in order to order this military organization throughout the Ottoman rural area. The falcon, represented as a symbol of the Ottoman dynasty, derived from “Kayı” tribe ornament deserves inclusive attendance. Hunting birds was raised and tamed at the birds’ nest called “yuva (nest)” or “kaya (rock)” in the mid of the Black-Sea territory. It can be estimated that falconry, preceded within the fiefs separated at the towns and township of Canik province of the shire of Rum (Roma) was not solely as a result of enthusiasm or for tradition but beyond that as of it, merely military purposes. Falconry was declined due to the development of fire-arms and the brand-new discoveries of the way of communication. This article is written up aiming to re-establish the traditional falconry and letting the hunting birds endure their existence in this territory. © 2021, Abidin Temizer. All rights reserved.