Pigeon towers come in a variety of shapes and sizes throughout the Middle East. Their use dates back to at least the Middle Ages. The towers, far from being a pointless hobby, provided farmers with much-needed fertiliser. They were made of logs and mud. Visitors from all over the world come to see the tower’s eye-catching architectural designs. The design of these towers varies by region, with each variation representing ingenious adaptations to the location’s geographical and meteorological conditions.
The openings in the Ad Dilam set of 14 pigeon towers allow birds to enter and exit the towers. The inside, on the other hand, is completely covered with niches where pigeons can roost, breed, and seek shelter during sandstorms or the hottest months of the year. Wooden beams cross the otherwise empty space between the walls, strengthening the structure and providing more surface area for birds to perch.
History of Pigeon Towers
Pigeon Towers are one of the oldest methods of bird raising. As a result, these intricate structures can be found in countries all over the world, including Saudi Arabia. Because of their beautiful geometric designs, they have become a tourist attraction in their own right and are frequently found in old forts and castles. Conical shapes and round domes distinguish these towers. They typically have rooms with small openings for ventilation and for pigeons to enter to escape the summer heat. Some pigeon tower locations have been used to teach the birds to communicate and to use their droppings as natural fertiliser.
Pigeon Towers location
In the last century, around 20 pigeon towers were built near the Al-Sahna neighbourhood in Khafas Daghara, Al-Dalam. Tourists come to photograph the towers and see the wood lattices where the pigeons build their nests. Visitors enjoy the sunlight that enters through the circular openings designed for the birds. Pigeon towers were built in the Makkah region’s palm groves 80 years ago to provide farmers with natural fertiliser as well as a source of income. The 20-meter-tall towers are set in an agricultural setting.
Features of Pigeon Towers
The Pigeon Towers in Makkah and Al-Dalam are renowned tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia, distinguished by their beautiful and distinctive design. Historically, these towers were used for breeding pigeons and collecting eggs, and they were considered part of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage. The Pigeon Towers are distinguished by their beautiful geometric design inspired by Islamic architecture, which includes numerous arches, columns, and engravings. The buildings’ vibrant and harmonious colours also contribute to their beauty. Overall, the Pigeon Towers in Makkah and Al-Dalam are lovely tourist destinations with stunning architecture and cultural history. Visitors can also enjoy the natural scenery surrounding the Pigeon Towers in Makkah and Al-Dalam. The stunning desert and mountains surround the property..
In addition to what was mentioned earlier, these towers in Makkah and Al-Dulm have many other features that make them a unique tourist destination, including:
1. Unique geometric beauty
The design of the Pigeon Towers is characterized by beautiful columns, impressive arches, and harmonious decorative engravings, making them a prominent artistic masterpiece.
2. Cultural history
The Pigeon Towers in Makkah and Al-Dulm are part of the cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reflecting their ancient design and use as a way of life in the region several centuries ago.
3. Stunning natural scenery
These towers are surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. The visitors can enjoy the magnificent desert and beautiful mountains, one of this site’s most important tourist attractions.
4. Comfort and relaxation
Visitors can unwind and enjoy the natural scenery surrounding these Towers, which is characterised by tranquillity and serenity, and spend some time in peace and relaxation.
These towers are a distinct and ancient architectural element found all over Saudi Arabia. They are most common in the central region. These towers were once common in traditional Saudi Arabian villages and were built to house domesticated pigeons, which were an important source of meat, fertiliser, and feathers.
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Pigeon Towers in Saudi Arabia facts
1. Historical significance
Pigeon towers in Saudi Arabia date back centuries, and their exact origins are unknown. They are introduced by Persian or Indian settlers who brought with them the tradition of pigeon rearing.
2. Usage
They were primarily used for pigeon breeding and harvesting. The birds were raised for their meat, which was a good source of protein in areas where other meat sources were scarce. Pigeons also produced fertiliser, which was used to fertilise crops, as well as feathers, which were used to make pillows and other household items.
3. Symbol of Status
These towers were also a symbol of wealth and social status in traditional Saudi Arabian society. The more towers a family-owned, the more affluent they were regarded.
4. The decline in Usage
The use of these towers has decreased as the demand for pigeon meat has decreased and pigeon keeping has become less common. Many of these towers have been abandoned or fallen into disrepair, but some have been preserved as cultural landmarks and tourist attractions.
The towers are now a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life. They are a distinct and captivating feature of the Saudi Arabian landscape, and visitors should take advantage of the opportunity to see them and learn about their history and significance.
Conclusion
The Ad Dilam collection of 14 pigeon towers stands out due to the limited number of bird openings. Access to the towers is provided through these openings. The interior, on the other hand, has features for pigeons to perch, mate, and seek refuge during sandstorms. The otherwise empty space between the walls is crisscrossed by wooden beams. The structure is significant in Saudi Arabia’s history and culture.
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Pigeon Towers FAQs
How many Pigeon Towers are there in KSA?
The Ad Dilam collection of 14 pigeon towers is notable for its limited number of openings from where birds can enter and exit the towers
What was the main usage of Pigeon Towers?
They were used to obtain fertilizers from the littering of the birds.
Why Pigeon Towers are a tourist attraction?
They have great architecture, stunning design and surrounded by mountains making them an excellent tourist location.
