Kurdistan & Smyrna Oriental Rollers 

By George de la Nuez

There is something truly fascinating and mystical about a breed that has existed for centuries and has withstood the test of time. No one really knows its beginnings, besides its birth place in the lands of Asia Minor. We can’t help to remain intrigued by the men whose incredible vision and hard work created such a dynamic pigeon breed. There is no doubt that nothing was accidental about its design and aerial performance. 

The Izmir Roller (known as Smyrna in antiquity) derived its name from a region in Turkey. Possessing these birds today give us a sense of connection to its ancient beginnings. We know for certain that the Oriental Roller played an instrumental part as the progenitor to many aerial performing breeds. Yet, we know very little about its infancy and development. Sadly, the breed’s popularity lost favor to other breeds and eventually vanished from its motherland. 

According to old writings, the Oriental Roller had exemplary colors and design. We know that today’s birds are not carbon copies of what once existed. We know they were not only selected for their unique type and color, but also for their amazing variation of acrobatic performance and flying styles. Early writings mention different variations in types depending on geographical areas within Asia Minor, such as Greece, Turkey, Macedonia, Persia and other regions, previously known as the Ottoman Empire. We know that in early literature there is mention of several varieties of Oriental Rollers, only two are documented and described which are Smyrna and Kurdistan. The former was the most common, it is a rather long bird having a long back, tail, flights and legs. A narrow body, head, slim neck, long strong beak and refined eye cere. The Kurdistan is broader with a short back, upright station, thicker down faced beak, broader head, with a coarser double ring eye cere and trembling neck. 

As a fancier, intrigued in the breed and its history I have spent many years researching, documenting and photographing many specimens. I realize that a subject rarely discussed is their history as well as differences in variations and types. In modern times the Smyrna (Izmir) type was the most common variety in most parts of the world, including flocks in the USA. There were those unique lofts that one could differentiate clearly the two types and even those birds that were blends of the two. The blending of the Kurdistan and Smyrna, evolved into our modern day show birds in the USA. 

The blending of their characteristics created a well-built bird with a proud stance and overall balance. Beak setting and outlook also changed and the coarse eye cere of the Kurdistan was no longer present or desired. The body style and station became lower with a medium back and the once desired trembling neck faded and only on occasion does the recessive trait reappear. 

Today, the American standard exemplifies the best attributes from both strains infused with some selection and feather length to create the modern day show Oriental Roller. It has been decades since I have seen Oriental Rollers expressing those unique characteristics, especially the rarer Kurdistan. In conclusion, the Oriental Roller today still fascinates and captures the hearts of many around the world, no matter if it is for its beauty or aerial talents. There is no doubt that the Oriental Roller will continue to reign as one of the most fascinating pigeon breeds ever created.