Young Climbers Conquer Peaks in Aladağlar Mountains
Four young climbers from Bursa, aged 10 to 11, have tested their skills on challenging routes in the Aladağlar range of Turkey's Taurus Mountains, demonstrating their training and determination under the guidance of their coach.
Four young climbers from Bursa, aged between 10 and 11, have recently put their climbing skills to the test in the Aladağlar range of the central Taurus Mountains. This ambitious group, comprising Hüseyin Yılmaz, Ela Nur Dalgıç, Rümeysa Aytaç, and Eymen Uğur, developed their passion for climbing after a local climbing club visited their school in the İznik district.
After three years of dedicated training, the young climbers embarked on an expedition to the Aladağlar Mountains during their summer vacation, accompanied by their coach, Mustafa Aksoy. Their journey began on August 29 and lasted until September 4, as they aimed to tackle a challenging route leading to the summit ridge of Küçük Demirkazık Mountain, which stands at 3,425 meters. The team aimed to reach an elevation of 3,350 meters, navigating through technical terrain that tested their abilities.
Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions forced the team to abandon their summit attempt. Instead, they redirected their efforts towards Davlumbaz Peak, which is accessible from the same campsite. Despite one team member feeling unwell, the remaining three climbers successfully reached the summit at 3,587 meters.
Athlete Spotlights
Mustafa Aksoy, a Level 2 mountaineering coach with two decades of experience in swimming and climbing, expressed pride in the students’ accomplishments. He noted that this expedition marked their first technical mountain climbs, a significant milestone achieved through disciplined and long-term training. "Through the rigorous training our students received, we provided them with their first experience on the slopes of Mount Küçük Demirkazık," Aksoy stated. "Although adverse weather conditions prevented us from reaching the summit, we carried out a successful expedition. Looking ahead, our goals extend beyond reaching the summit of Küçük Demirkazık. We aim to introduce more young athletes to mountaineering and take them to various other mountains and further advance their skills."
This expedition not only highlights the determination and skill of these young climbers but also reflects the growing interest in mountaineering among youth in Turkey. As they continue to train and gain experience, these athletes are paving the way for future generations in the sport of climbing.
