Azerbaijani alpinists conquer Elbrus
By Victoria Moiseyeva
Azerbaijani climbers made a successful ascent to Elbrus, which is considered as the highest peak in the Caucasus Mountains. It stands at 5,642 meters.
Azerbaijani team was comprised of mountaineers from Azerbaijan Mountaineering Federation, "Nikoil" sporting group and "Murov" extreme club.
The expedition started on August 9. On the first day of acclimatization, mountaineers climbed to the base camp located at 3800 meters altitude. On the second day, they climbed to 4200 meters altitude, and on the third - 4800 meters.
After a resting day, the team resumed its trip to the peak. Despite sever weather conditions, the climbers hoisted Azerbaijani flag on top of Elbrus on August 13. Afterwards they made a successful descent and settled down in Azau village at the foot of the mountain.
Now, the team plans to conquer new peaks.
The President of Mountaineering Federation and experienced climber, Israfil Ashurli, was leading the expedition. It is the 14th ascent in his career. Ashurli was the first Azerbaijani to climb Mount Everest and Kangchenjunga, completing the Seven Summits challenge in 2007.
Moreover, he was awarded with "Snow leopard" title by conquering Khan Tenqri and Pobeda peaks in 2009.
From the beginning of a new millennium, Azerbaijani alpinists came back onto the high altitude mountains. E. Mammadov, A. Rustamov, I. Ashurli, I. Askarov, S. Mammadov made ascents in different times on the highest peaks of Pamir and Tian Shan: Lenin, Khan Tenqri, Korjenevskaya, Pobeda and Communism peaks.
Mountaineering and rock climbing is developing rapidly nowadays. Azerbaijan Mountaineering Federation is doing its best to develop both of the disciplines.
AMF has been active since 1997 and is involved in the development of mountain climbing in the country as well as represents this sport in international sports organizations and associations.
Since 2010, Azerbaijani alpinists successfully have joined various mountaineering, sky running, rock climbing challenges and festivals. A great attention is paid into the secure ascents and recruiting of new instructors.
The Federation cooperates with Azerbaijan's Youth and Sports Ministry to attract people to sport activity, manpower training, organizing and training national teams and sending them to international competitions. It is also responsible for their performances including their honorary awards.