(17 Jun 2014) LEADIN:
Falconers have been putting their skills to the test an annual sparrow hawk festival in Tunisia.
The art dates back more than 300 years in the region of El-Haouaria.
STORYLINE:
The centuries-old art of falconry has survived the test of time in this part of Tunisia.
In the city of El-Haouaria, once named "Aquilaria" by the Romans, or "the land of the eagle," thousands of migratory birds call in before crossing the Mediterranean.
For over 300 years, people here - along with others in the Kelibia and Hammam Laghzaz regions - have worked hard to preserve and celebrate this rich natural heritage.
They capture, raise and train raptors such as sparrow Hawks and falcons, the same way their ancestors once did.
In 1967, a festival was organised - followed by the creation of the Regional Association of Falconry nine years later.
Hosni Ma'amouri is a member and also helps out with the festival.
Here in the association's museum, a picture of his falconer father reminds him of his family's legacy.
"When you see this picture in the middle of the house, and you see the falcon amidst the family, as a member of the family, how can you not then become passionate about this art," he says.
With 480 members, the association aims to raise awareness of environmental issues.
It also wants to promote the falconry heritage to bring in tourists.
Hosni says the association has helped forge strong regional ties too.
"It brought opinions and traditions closer together, between the regions of El Haouaria, Hammam Laghzaz, and Kelibia, like one family," he says.
The sparrow hawk festival, which marks the beginning of the hunting season, demonstrates the hunting methods of birds of prey.
Small birds like quails are thrown into the air and the falconers then release hawks to catch them.
The key event of the festival is the competition that crowns the best falconer - based the state of the hawk, its cleanliness, and its flight.
Mohammed, along with his neighbours and friends, learned how to hunt from the age of six.
This is the second time he's taken part in the competition at the festival - and this time round he's in the final.
More than just an art, falconry and the birds are embedded in his life.
"I have an intimate relationship with the sparrow hawk. He's like my brother, like a son," says Mohammed.
The festival is always draws a crowd - helping to ensure this age-old art continues to take flight for years to come.
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