Many people around the world visit mountains for a unique opportunity to get in touch with nature and think deeply about themselves. Mountains can also be places where farming and raising herd animals is the main source of income.
For Kurds, however, a mountain signifies far more than a physical elevation change.
Mountains are existential to Kurdish people, as they have historically been vital to their revolts against tyrants. The Kurds have an old saying that they "have no friends except the mountains." Another goes, "Kurds' home ends where the mountains end."
Kurdistan mountain names are popular names for Kurdish children, including Halgurd, Safeen, Mateen, Shereen, Zagros, and Bestoon.
The mountains in Iraqi Kurdistan are quite jagged and rocky with lots of valleys where rivers wind and waterfalls reside.
The Kurds' connection to their mountainous terrain never seems to change no matter how much Kurdish society evolves. Since 2003, when there was relative peace and stability, Kurds discovered that their attachment to the mountains extended beyond survival and recreation, as mountaineering and hiking have grown in popularity in Iraqi Kurdistan in recent years.
Spring and autumn are ideal seasons for hikers to trek in the Kurdistan mountains. Rock climbing and caving are growing rapidly in popularity, but professional mountaineering is still in its early stages.
Kurdistan has several 3500-meter peaks, and has become a stepping stone for professional mountaineers to train and gain experience before attempting to climb larger mountains in other countries.
Ari Othman and his wife Hawzhin have climbed Kyrgyzstan's Lenin and the Himalayas' Manaslu and describe the burgeoning scene in Kurdistan.
"Rock climbing is growing in Kurdistan. We have more than 20 climbing routes in Erbil's Safeen Mountain and even more in Sulemani’s Hazar Merd Mountain. Many climbers participate in advanced climbing, such as multi-pitch climbing," Ari Othman said.
Othman, on the other hand, explained that the lack of good mountaineering and climbing teaching organizations has caused Kurdish mountaineers to lag professionally. As a result, mountaineers lack the basic skills required to climb difficult and technical routes, particularly during the cold seasons, while mountain rescues are scarce.
"If a climber becomes lost or injured, the situation can rapidly escalate into a life-threatening one. Though most of the mountains in Kurdistan have cell phone coverage, calling for emergency services only connects you to the police, who are woefully unprepared for such a situation," Othamn added.
"There were only about 10-20 hikers in 2015, but now we have over 100 hiking groups with over 7,000 members," Othman concluded.
Most hikers avoid the riskier areas, especially those with dormant landmines. During the 1980s, the former Iraqi regime planted thousands of explosives in the Kurdistan Region and other disputed territories to impede Iranian troop advances, particularly along the two countries' shared border.
In addition to connecting with nature and savoring Kurdistan's breathtaking scenery, hiking in Kurdistan allows you to experience the rich and welcoming Kurdish culture, none more special than in its mountain communities.
Mount Halgurd is the most recognizable and the highest peak in the country at altitude 3606m, Fresh mineral water running down the mountain springs and so many nomads living in the mountain lowlands.
Sakran mountain is considered as the most technical mountain to climb in the region, it requires advanced mountaineering skills like ice axe and ropes. One of the most striking things about Sakran is its crater lake, located right on the summit. After one or two days of climbing, the moment that you reach the summit, the wondrous nature in front of you will make you forget how tired you are of climbing.
Barzan
Protecting and maintaining the aspects of wildlife is a must for people’s lifestyles in Kurdistan’s mountainous Barzan area. Traditions remain valuable even in the wake of modern agriculture with traditional habits going back a century. Locals prioritize the safety of wildlife from recreational hunters. Including threats from mountain goats who are not deterred by people’s presence.
Some of the activities that are becoming more common include; rafting and kayaking, Due to the increasing interest in outdoor recreational acitives, rafting has become widespread as well. The beautiful river in Barzan, has attracted the frequent participation of locals and tourists.
