A significant auction took place in Safwan, a border district in Basra, Iraq, featuring the sale of a prized "Qalabi" pigeon for an astonishing 16 million Iraqi dinars, roughly equivalent to $12,300. The event drew substantial attention from pigeon breeders and hobbyists, highlighting the cultural and economic importance of this unique breed of bird in the region.

Video footage and images shared on Iraqi social media and local news showcased the vibrant atmosphere of the annual public auction, which sees participation from breeders not only from Iraq but also from neighboring countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan. This cross-border interest underscores the significance of the event, as it brings together a community passionate about aviculture, enhancing social ties and regional trade in rare birds.

One participant noted that such a high-value purchase is seen as a profitable investment for breeders, as the future sale of these pigeons and their offspring could yield returns well beyond their initial auction price. This sentiment reflects a growing trend in the aviculture market where enthusiasts are willing to invest significant sums in rare and valuable breeds, thus stimulating both the local economy and the culture surrounding pigeon breeding in Iraq.