Mardin

In southeastern Turkey, the name Mardin is attached to regional pigeons from the city of Mardin and the surrounding Anatolian borderlands, an area with a long culture of rooftop and courtyard pigeon keeping. These birds descend from the domestic rock pigeon but are best understood as a local flying and ornamental strain, not a single globally uniform show breed. Colors, markings, and small type details can vary between family lofts, while loyalty to the home loft and lively flight are central qualities.

Traditional management suits a dry, airy loft protected from heat, cats, and raptors. Young birds are usually settled gradually, and family lines are maintained through exchange with trusted local fanciers rather than random crossing into unrelated fancy breeds. Outside Turkey, the name may be used loosely, so buyers should ask about origin, flight behavior, and whether the birds are bred for performance, display, or cultural preservation. Good records help retain the regional character of small imported flocks.

Colors: Almond, Ash Red, Bar, Barless, Black, Blue, Brown, Checker, Dilute, Dun, Grizzle, Indigo, Mottle, Opal, Pied, Recessive Red, Red, Silver, Splash, Spread, White, Yellow