Chyawani Slemani

Climbing was introduced to Bashur Kurdistan a decade ago by foreigners, with the earliest developments occurring near Hawler (Erbil) and Slemani (Sulaymaniyah). Local interest was slow to start, but with improvements in the political and economic situation over the years, four Kurdish climbers in Slemani began to learn. In 2019, a Kurdish instructor from Rojhelat (Eastern) Kurdistan, located in modern-day Iran, began teaching a climbing group of about 10 people. Over the years, two artificial outdoor walls were constructed in Hawler.

Fast forward to 2023, and Kurdistan saw an explosion of interest in the sport! Early in the year, the climbers in Slemani were able to work with the local government to create a new outdoor climbing wall in Hawary Shar Park. Later in the year, with community donations and a small grant from the government, the same group of climbers established the first indoor climbing gym in all of Iraq and Bashur Kurdistan! They are tirelessly working to spread the joy of climbing throughout Kurdistan, particularly to the youth.