Frozen City: A Chilling Encounter with Winter’s Grip
A City Frozen: Extreme Cold Weather in Ardahan
The extreme cold weather has taken hold of the city of Ardahan, freezing the hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows of those brave enough to venture outside. Vural Bulut, a resident, described his face as completely frozen from the chilling temperatures. “We are living in such a season right now that it can be seen on my face. There is no such cold. My hair, beard and eyelashes are completely frozen. There is no such cold, it is minus 50 degrees,” he said.
At night, temperatures notoriously drop below zero in Ardahan and its surrounding regions. As severe as 28.1 degrees in Ardahan, 29 degrees in Göle, 27.8 degrees in Hanak, 31.5 degrees in Çıldır, 14.7 degrees in Posof, and 20.6 degrees in Damal were recorded.
Despite the frigid weather, mountaineers from the Rota Nature Sports Club continue to embark on challenging winter climbs. Sedat Karacan and Fatih Cıngü, club managers, recently completed a difficult track and were met with a breathtaking view atop the Süphan Mountain. The climbers stated that their faces were almost frozen due to the cold weather but had the opportunity to watch the unique view above the clouds.
Speaking about the challenging climb, the Rota Nature Sports Club President, Sedat Karacan, emphasized the difficulties faced. He underlined the importance of physical and mental readiness required for such climbs. “Instead of fighting with nature, man should try to adapt to it. We consider this rule during our climbs and evaluate the most suitable conditions allowed by the mountain,” he added.
Expressing their appreciation for the unique experience, club board member Fatih Cıngü said, “Even though it was difficult, we climbed with a unique view and sometimes in the light of the full moon. We are happy to have reached the top.”
Despite the record cold, the continued spirit and resilience of the city’s residents and climbers shine as bright as the sun as they navigate through the adverse conditions.
