Dovecotes in the Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar (© Omar Chatriwala/Getty Images)

【February 21 2013】Dovecotes, like these in Doha, Qatar, were once prominent status symbols, demonstrating that one had money and land enough to house and feed hundreds of pigeons. Pigeons provided food, messenger services, and even entertainment (by racing) for people across Europe and the Middle East. Dovecotes were built to house flocks comprising hundreds of birds. Explore breathtaking Gallery from the HuluTrip homepage over the past 5 years..