The Bull Fights At Barka, Oman

Distressed bulls strained against their ropes, their grunts expelling steam and vapour as they dug at the ground with their hooves, getting ready for the charge.

“After discussion with the bull owners, the referee selects a pair of bulls based on height, weight, and size. The key weapon is the curved horns, which helps the bull get a better grip on the opponent. The contest rule is simple: Whichever bull forces the other to back down or flee, is declared the winner.

The first set of owners lead their bulls with thick ropes looped through their heaving nostrils into the ring, which was already occupied by key organizers, a referee, some young fight crew, a commentator with a megaphone, and a few ardent fight fans seated in plastic chairs.

Taken to opposite corners, the unrelenting animals, who were snorting and pawing the ground, turn to face one another from across the ring.

There was no whistle from the referee as the ropes were removed; the bulls simply charged.

Clack! The sound of horns striking against each other echoed around the ring as the vociferous spectators cheered on their favorite stars. The roaring crowd, the dusty air, the shimmering heat waves, and the agitation of the beasts, adds to the excitement.

The bout lasted for four or five minutes until finally, one of the bulls retreated from the ring in defeat. Though the bulls do not get hurt seriously and there is no bloodshed; terror, mortification, and violence are apparent in the wild eyes of the animals.

The owners call their bulls by pet-names, and up next, ‘Namrood’ and ‘Dash’ would be locking horns. Clack! As the fight began, if the bulls are getting out of hand and the two handlers can’t stop the bout, a crew of locals in dishdashas spring into action, sprinting across the mud to grab hold of ropes in order to separate the animals, each side resembling a tug of war.

Pulling these mighty pugilists apart is no easy task and sometimes when separated, the unsatisfied, rampaging bull might make a final charge towards the opponent or the spectators.

Other times, the bull simply isn’t in the mood at all, and makes a retreat without even attempting to fight his opponent, much to the embarrassment of the owner.

Two bulls made a commotion as one chased the other out of the ring, forcing it to jump over the gallery as spectators leapt for safety.

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