Turpan's Cockfighting King Has Raised Fighting Cocks for 40 Years

In a courtyard in Kizil Tur Community, Yar Township, Turpan, apricot blossoms are blooming to welcome spring, and a loader is roaring its engine as it works busily... Silver-haired Ismayil Ibrahim carries a freshly washed fighting cock under the grape trellis and places it in a cage. This fighting cock will receive about four hours of "sunbathing" here.

This 10-mu courtyard was just rented by Bari Wubur (second from left), known as "Cockfighting Bari." He plans to raise 2,000 fighting cocks and drive nearby farmers to develop the cockfighting industry. In his farm courtyard, tourists can taste Turpan grapes while watching cockfights and also enjoy a delicious fighting cock feast.

Ismayil Ibrahim, 60 years old this year, works for "Cockfighting Bari" and earns 5,000 yuan a month. The fighting cocks raised by Ismayil Ibrahim also sell for much higher prices than others, "because I know quality goods, and I also know how to raise them." In the grape city of Turpan, spring brings the busiest season of the year and also the annual cockfighting competition. Contestants from Henan, Guangxi and other places bring their beloved fighting cocks to compete. Ismayil Ibrahim attaches great importance to this competition. He has raised fighting cocks for 40 years, and his family has been in this industry for three generations. "When two fighting cocks compete, I can tell at a glance which one will win."

Turpan cockfighting has a long history and is one of China's four major types of cockfighting. Generally speaking, Turpan fighting cocks must have basic characteristics such as a tall and fierce build, strong legs, a handsome neck, sharp eyes, and a fierce and tenacious nature. In the contest, the two owners each hold the fighting cock they believe can win and begin a fierce struggle. The fighting cocks tear at each other, their combs turning red and purple, and their fast, arrow-like claws stab at the opponent's head and chest like springs. The fighting cocks all show great endurance and bravery. The picture shows a fighting cock spreading its wings before training, with sharp eyes.