By André Bishara
Eagle hunting in Mongolia is an ancient tradition that dates back to a distant era. It was once essential for survival in the harsh conditions of the Mongolian steppes. Today, it has become rare and primarily serves as a tourist attraction, yet it remains a living testament to the cultural heritage of the Kazakh people. This practice symbolizes the intimate bond between humans and nature.
During my trip to Mongolia, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to witness this legendary hunting tradition.
I accompanied a group of Kazakh hunters near the Gobi Desert, where this tradition is still alive. The golden eagle is awe-inspiring with its immense size, powerful talons, and piercing gaze. The rider wears a thick leather glove on which the eagle perches, its head covered with a leather hood that obscures its vision. This image is etched in my memory: the rider waiting proudly for the appearance of a rabbit, fox, or even a wolf in the vast plain. At that moment, the eagle is released, diving like a flash of lightning onto its prey. Its sharp talons, resembling spears, pierce the animal’s head, killing it instantly.
That day, lunch was a rabbit. My feelings were indescribable.
You must accompany these men across the vast steppes to breathe the fresh air, hear the cries of the eagles and the calls of the riders galloping on their sturdy little horses, endure a sandstorm in the Gobi Desert, then witness a double rainbow appearing as if by magic, and watch the sky transform from the darkest shades of black to the purest blue. Only then will you understand why Mongolia is called the “Land of the Blue Sky.”
