Abstract
The domestication of pigeons dates back to ancient times. People who discove-red the memory and direction abilities of pigeons used them as a means of communication. Pigeons have a place in different beliefs in many parts of the world and they have an important place in Turkish culture and Islam. Today, pigeon keeping is a profession. Pigeons of certain breeds with certain characte-ristics have led to the formation of groups and separate cultural environments among their breeders. The most prominent pigeon types are fancy pigeons, homing pigeons, racing pigeons, and game pigeons. Associations affiliated to the federation have been established. Races are organized by these associati-ons and pigeons are evaluated as animals for breeding according to the race results. The race of each pigeon group has its own specific rules, venue, mate-rial, and prize. Races are held abroad and throughout Turkey, and each province can organize races as well. In the article, the breeds and groups of pigeons in Eskisehir, their specific associations, the periods before and after races, and the attitudes of the grooms during the race were discussed. While it was observed that the races were carried out quite systematically with the effect of techno-logy, it was determined that urbanization began to cause damage to the cultu-ral environment and made the races more difficult. The knowledge of a traditi-onalized culture on the verge of being forgotten was elucidated and its value was revealed.