Anthropology of Pigeon Culture in Gilan

Human-animal interaction is one of the interesting topics in the field of anthropology. Throughout history, humans have tried to give certain effects and color to their social life by interacting with some animals. Meanwhile, pigeons have a special and significant place in the culture and civilization of human societies. Pigeon-playing is one of the manifestations of human-animal interactions throughout human life that may be as long as human life. In this study, an attempt will be made to provide a relatively clear picture of the culture of pigeon- playing in Gilan by using the field study method and through conversations and interviews with Gilani pigeon-fanciers. By adopting an anthropological approach, this study describes and analyzes the beliefs, traditions, attitudes and interrelations of Gilani pigeon-fanciers while examining the background of pigeon-playing in Iranian culture.