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Sakarya, a province in northwestern Türkiye, hosted the seventh Crested Costume Pigeons Festival, where many crested pigeons brought from various provinces were judged individually on traits such as color, posture, eyes, beaks, and feathered feet.
The widely attended event was organized by the Costume Pigeon Federation (KGF) at a hotel in the Serdivan district.
A panel of judges gave scores over two days to the pigeons, which were evaluated in 29 categories according to their features, called “Federation Tagged/Front Crest and Double Crest.”
About 1,000 pigeons took part in the event, where trophies and various gifts were presented to the owners of the birds ranked first, second, and third in each category, and many visitors attended the festival.
KGF Board Chairman Metin Yilmazer said that the federation has seven associations in Türkiye and organizes competitions and exhibitions for the pigeons they raise.
Explaining that pigeons were also rehomed at a market area set up at the festival, Yilmazer said pigeon lovers from many provinces of Türkiye gathered there.
Yilmazer said the number of birds brought to the race and table release was close to 500 and that more than 1,000 costume pigeons were present in the area besides these.
Explaining that the birds were ranked by judges giving scores in each category, Yilmazer said: “This year’s participation is very high in terms of the number of birds in the competition.”
He said Sakarya became the meeting point at an event that brought together friends from 58 provinces under one roof, and that those who are interested can also come and follow it.
“God willing, the organization’s standards will rise even further,” Yilmazer said. “We will promote the birds we raise as Turkish pigeons at home and abroad.”
He said there are pigeon breeds raised in Türkiye that have become established breeds over the last 50 years and are in the process of being registered. “We want to introduce this to the whole world as well,” he said.
Recep Dagdelen said they have been taking part in the festival for five years with birds unique to Aksaray and that they brought 15 birds to this competition.
Salih Topal said they took part in the event from Karaman with five birds and that they have been doing this work with love for 15 years.
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