Climbing Mountain s, Building Myself: Why I Keep Going Higher

 

For some people, adventure is a short escape — a weekend trip, a summer holiday, or a day hike. But for me, adventure has slowly turned into a lifestyle. Over the last few years, I have discovered something that changed me: the love for climbing mountains. And I’m not talking about small hills. I have already climbed three of the highest peaks in Turkey, including the famous Mount Ararat — or Ağrı Dağı, as we call it.

Mount Ararat is not just a mountain. It is a symbol. It stands tall, white, and quiet. When I climbed it, I didn’t feel like I was fighting the mountain. I felt like I was talking to it — and to myself. The climb started long before sunrise. It was cold, dark, and silent. I could hear only my breath and my heartbeat. When we reached 4900 meters, I started to feel the real challenge. My head hurt. I felt sick. I couldn't eat. I just lay there, thinking:
"Why am I doing this?"

But something inside told me: “Keep going. You didn’t come this far to stop now.” And I did. Step by step, breath by breath, I reached the summit — 5,137 meters above sea level. There was no celebration, no loud cheer. Just peace. The clouds were under me, and the sun was above me. That moment changed something in me.

Every climb has taught me something different. I’ve faced fear, cold, pain, but also silence, beauty, and deep reflection. When you are far away from cities and distractions, you begin to see things more clearly — especially yourself. As an engineer, my daily life is full of calculations, deadlines, and busy thinking. But on the mountain, time stops. You don’t worry about emails or money. You just move forward. And that simple action — moving forward — becomes powerful. It teaches patience, planning, and how to stay calm when things go wrong. These lessons help me not only on mountains, but in my life and work.

Looking ahead, I’m planning to climb the highest mountain in Iran next year. I know it will be difficult — but that’s the reason I want to do it. I’ve learned that we grow by doing hard things.

Also, I have been traveling when I can. I’m about to finish my Eastern Europe tour. I want to see new places, meet new people, and understand different cultures. These experiences have made me feel more connected to the world — and more alive.

Some people ask me: “Why do you go to hard places?” And I say: “Because in hard places, I discover who I really am.” Climbing is not about showing how strong I am. 

It’s about being honest with myself. When you stand on a snowy peak after hours of pain and effort, you realize: Life is not about comfort — it’s about meaning. And for me, meaning lives somewhere high in the mountains.