Lebanon's ancient pigeon game | DW Documentary

Kash Hamam & Beirut: A Life Among Pigeons and Political Turmoil

Key Concepts:

• Kash Hamam: The traditional Lebanese pigeon flying game, involving competition, strategy, and bird breeding.
• Loyalty (Wafa): A recurring theme explored through the pigeons’ behavior and applied to human relationships and national identity.
• Sectarianism (Ta’ifiyya): The deeply ingrained political and social division along religious lines in Lebanon.
• Political Corruption & Accountability: The pervasive issues of corruption and lack of accountability within the Lebanese government.
• Resilience & Hope: The enduring spirit of the Lebanese people in the face of adversity.

I. The World of Kash Hamam: Tradition, Competition & Connection

The video centers around the practice of Kash Hamam, a deeply rooted tradition in Beirut. Players compete by flying their pigeons, primarily male birds distinguished by beads, aiming to have them “catch” pigeons from other flocks. The goal isn’t simply possession, but demonstrating the strength and loyalty of one’s own birds. A key principle is that strong pigeons won’t land on unfamiliar roofs, signifying their independence and quality.

The game involves strategic tactics like throwing oranges to scatter flocks and encourage mixing, potentially leading to the acquisition of new birds. The outcome of a “catch” depends on the relationship between players – friends are more likely to return a captured bird, while rivals will keep it. This highlights the competitive, yet often amicable, nature of the game.

“If my birds are strong, they won’t land on a strange roof. And the same goes for the others. Each player needs strong pigeons. If you don’t have strong pigeons, you’ll always lose,” emphasizes the importance of breeding and training.

II. Pigeon Breeding & The Bond Between Man and Bird

Generational knowledge is crucial in Kash Hamam. One participant recounts starting at age nine, skipping school to fly pigeons, and being expelled for his dedication. Breeding is a family affair, with new chicks eagerly anticipated and carefully nurtured.

The emotional connection between pigeon flyers and their birds is profound. Names like Tikriti, Jehudi, Sajel, Belgier are given to individual pigeons, reflecting a personal relationship. Sajel is particularly valued for its unwavering loyalty: “Sajel is a loyal bird. No matter how far away he flies, he returns. If he’s born here, he comes back.” This loyalty is then used as a metaphor for human relationships.

A poignant observation is made: “Pigeons are more loyal than people. Pigeons are faithful. And people? Not all your fingers are the same. There’ll always be one that ruins things.”

III. Loyalty & National Identity: A Parallel Exploration

The concept of loyalty extends beyond the pigeons themselves, becoming a central theme in discussions about Lebanon. The question, “Are you loyal to your country or to those you love?” is posed, prompting a nuanced response. Loyalty to one’s community and friends is acknowledged, but conditional loyalty to the country is expressed – contingent on positive change.

Frustration with the political system is palpable. Many feel abandoned by the government, facing endless delays and unfulfilled promises in their job searches. This leads to a sense of disillusionment and a desire for emigration: “At some point, they’ll say good riddance to this country.”

IV. Beirut: A City of Coexistence & Political Discontent

The video portrays Beirut as a historically cosmopolitan city, a place of religious coexistence: “Beirut is a place of coexistence between all religions. The people in Beirut accept all faiths. There’s love and understanding between everyone.” However, this idyllic image is quickly challenged by a candid discussion about the realities of Lebanese politics.

The prevailing sentiment is that sectarianism, fueled by self-serving politicians, has fractured the nation. Each political party and clan operates with its own agenda, hindering national unity. A call for a “genuine revolution” and a unified voice is made: “We need an earthquake, a genuine revolution. No one should stay at home. The entire nation needs to raise its voice as one.”

V. The Beirut Explosion & Its Aftermath

The video takes a devastating turn with the inclusion of footage following the 2020 Beirut port explosion. The scenes depict widespread destruction, shattered homes, and a lingering smell of blood. The explosion is described as being “like a small atom bomb.”

The root cause of the tragedy is attributed to the negligent storage of ammonium nitrate at the port. The disaster is seen as a consequence of systemic corruption and a lack of accountability. “Errors? The errors that they have caused, those who bear the responsibility for the port and the nation.”

Ironically, the pigeons are the only beneficiaries of the explosion, feeding on the scattered grain from the destroyed silos. This serves as a stark contrast between the resilience of nature and the devastation caused by human negligence.

VI. A Plea for Peace & Unity

The video concludes with a powerful symbolic act: releasing pigeons into the sky as a representation of peace and unity. The speaker expresses a desire for a society free from sectarianism and fear: “I don’t want to have to hide my cross when I’m in another neighborhood… I don’t want any more sectarianism. I want a peaceful revolution.”

The final images of the damaged homes and the enduring presence of pigeons underscore the resilience of the Lebanese people and their hope for a better future. “Without pigeons, the city would not be as beautiful. They symbolize peace, and love. There should always be pigeons in the sky.”

Technical Terms:

• Kash Hamam: (كش حمام) – The Lebanese pigeon flying game.
• Sectarianism (Ta’ifiyya): (طائفية) – Division based on religious affiliation.
• Ammonium Nitrate: (نترات الأمونيوم) – A chemical compound that, when improperly stored, can be highly explosive.

This video is a poignant portrayal of life in Beirut, seamlessly weaving together the ancient tradition of Kash Hamam with the contemporary struggles of a nation grappling with political corruption, sectarianism, and the aftermath of a devastating tragedy. It’s a story of resilience, loyalty, and a yearning for a peaceful and unified future.