A new sport is quietly carving its path into the heart of Kurdistan’s rugged terrain. Climbing, long known for its adventurous spirit and demanding nature, is beginning to take root in the Kurdish sports scene. There may be no better home for it than the region’s majestic mountains.
The Kurdish connection to the mountains runs far deeper than the sport itself. The Kurdish saying, “No friends but the mountains,” is not just a proverb; it is a profound reflection of Kurdish history, identity, and resilience. For centuries, the mountains have been both a refuge and a symbol of strength. It is where the Kurdish people have lived and fought for their land.
Kurdistan’s breathtaking landscapes offer unlimited potential for climbers: jagged peaks, dramatic rock faces, and untapped natural formations stretch across the region. From the steep walls of Halgurd to the hidden crags of Rawanduz, the opportunities for outdoor climbing is limitless.
An underdeveloped climbing haven
These natural gifts make the region a potential climbing haven – not just for local enthusiasts, but for athletes and adventurers from around the world. Yet, despite this wealth of natural resources, climbing as a sport is still in its early stages.
While a few dedicated climbers and clubs supported by Kurdistan’s Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (KMCF) have been laying the foundation over the past few years, public awareness and infrastructure are still in their early stages.
Climbing gyms are virtually non-existent, gear is often hard to find or access, and most importantly, climbing has yet to become part of the region’s sporting culture.
“To increase awareness in the community and help further develop the sport, we ensure that all registered mountaineering clubs take our mandatory climbing course, which is offered three times a year. The course teaches the basics of mountaineering/climbing and includes both theoretical and practical learning,” said Hemen Amin, head of KMCF.
For a nation whose history is written into the folds of the mountains, climbing seems like a natural evolution. As more people begin to explore the sport, there is hope that Kurdistan can become a regional hub for competition and adventure.
According to Kristopher Palmer, head of Equip Climbing Club in Erbil and a member of the American Mountain Guide Association, Kurdistan is now ready to embrace climbing as a sport. “There is a foundation of local climbers that have been quietly training and developing on the fringes of the sports and outdoor recreation scene. But I think that they are now ready to join the broader international climbing movement,” he said.
“The mix of modern techniques and equipment that will be brought from abroad along with the strength and motivation of those dedicated locals could cause this sport to explode and bring in many new climbers. Kurdistan’s mountains hold immense potential, and with development, could boast many world-class crags. Kurdistan could be a climbing destination for both local and international climbers,” Palmer added.
A discipline and a lifestyle
Climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport that challenges individuals to ascend natural rock formations or artificial walls using a combination of strength, technique, balance, and problem-solving skills. It encompasses a variety of disciplines including bouldering, sport climbing, traditional climbing, and alpine climbing, each with unique environments, strategies, and required equipment.
While often perceived as dangerous, climbing is quite safe when practiced correctly. Over the years, it has evolved significantly with a strong emphasis on safety and risk management. Modern climbing relies on a wide range of specialized gear – such as harnesses, ropes, belay devices, helmets, and crash pads designed specifically to protect climbers and prevent accidents. Today, climbing gyms and outdoor climbing communities are focused on training, education, and building a strong safety culture, making it accessible to people of all skill levels.
Beyond the physical challenge, climbing offers incredible mental and emotional rewards. It is a sport that rewards perseverance, courage, and connection to the landscape – qualities deeply embedded in the Kurdish spirit. It teaches focus, patience, and trust in both yourself and your climbing partner. There’s an unmatched sense of accomplishment that comes from reaching the top of a route. Whether you’re climbing a boulder indoors or a mountain peak outdoors, the experience is both humbling and empowering, making it one of the most fulfilling and transformative sports available.
History of climbing
Climbing dates to the earliest days of human history. Early humans climbed rocks and cliffs for survival, to hunt, find shelter, and explore their surroundings. As civilizations developed, people climbed high crests to reach settlements, sacred grounds, and places of significance. Over time, climbing also became a form of exploration, recreation, and spirituality.
In the late 1800s, climbing evolved into a recognized sport in countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, and the UK. Back then, climbing took place solely outdoors on natural structures like mountains, cliffs, and rock faces.
The sport shifted again in the 1980s with the rise of indoor climbing gyms, which made the sport more accessible and gave rise to competitions. Since then, the sport has grown rapidly, reaching a global audience and earning a place on the world’s biggest stage, making its Olympic debut at the 2020 Games in Tokyo.
Today, climbing is more than a sport. It’s a lifestyle, a discipline, and for many, a form of self-discovery deeply connected to nature and community.
Climbing in Kurdistan
Not long ago, a dear friend introduced me to Erbil’s Equip Climbing Club, one of the many climbing clubs working to develop the sport in the region. I started without any expectations, just curiosity. But after my very first climb, I was profoundly moved for two reasons.
First, I was completely shaken by the intensity of the experience – the rush, the adrenaline, and the pure exhilaration that surges through you after conquering a climb that your mind tells you is impossible. Yet somehow, your body persists. It pushes through fear, doubt, and fatigue, defying what you thought were your limits. There is truly no greater feeling than the moment when you reach the top.
Second, and just as powerful, was the unexpected warmth of the climbing community. People from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and diverse cultures, all gathered in one space, united by a common goal: the will to reach the top. There’s a shared understanding, a mutual respect, and a contagious energy that makes you feel instantly welcome and inspired. That’s when a whole new world opened up to me.
In the short time I’ve been climbing, I’ve learned so much. Not just about the sport, but about my body, my mindset, and the incredible world around me. Climbing has become more than just a physical activity; it’s a form of self-discovery, a way to explore my fears and strengths, and a reminder of how beautiful and resilient the human spirit can be when challenged.
My message to Kurdistan is this: let’s restore our true identity. In a land where the mountains have always stood beside us, maybe it’s time we start climbing them – not to survive, but to thrive. After all, we belong to the mountains, and the mountains belong to us.
Sanar Sabah is a Kurdish athlete, business developer, and project manager.
