PISHDAR, Kurdistan Region — Crowds gather around as dog owners challenge each other at a violent match of dogfighting, a bloody practice that takes place every spring.
Attendees gather around from all over the region to witness the brutal past time.
“Participants came from all over Koya, Taq Taq, Sulaymaniyah, Pishdar and Bitwen,” says Issa Surchi, the owner of a dog that fights.
Dog fights typically take place in April, during the spring.
“This is the last fight for now because we are approaching the summer season,” Surchi added. “There were 20 dog fights this season with some ending without a clear winner.”
Many dogs die during these vicious matches. The death of a dog that remains in the ring is a sign of bravery.
“If a dog dies in the ring, then he was a good dog because he fought until the bitter end and did not leave,” said dog fighting referee Qaraman Alaadin.
Winners are declared based on the actions of the brutal sport.
“When a dog loses, it yelps loudly or lowers its tail. As soon as the dog yells, it is declared the loser,” explained Alaadin.
“Some dogs will even simply leave the arena without putting their tail down.”
Pishdar dogs are a popular breed among Kurdish dogfighters. They are among the oldest breeds in Asia, dating back 5,000 years. The strong and intelligent breed has long been used by shepherds to guard their flocks.
Translation by Anis Ari
Video editing by Sarkawt Mohammed
