In a historic moment for Kurdish mountaineering, Dr. Nabaz Taha became the first Kurdish climber to conquer the Himalayan peaks and raise the Kurdistan flag in 1988. Born in 1952 in the Malkandi district of Sulaymaniyah, Dr. Nabaz, also known as Dr. Taha, was an accomplished scientist and mountaineer whose achievements continue to inspire his community.
Dr. Nabaz graduated from the University of Sulaymaniyah’s College of Science, Department of Biology, and later pursued higher education in the United Kingdom. Moving to Britain in 1977, he earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees while joining Glasgow’s Lomond Mountaineering Club in 1979. This membership laid the foundation for his groundbreaking ascent of the Himalayas.
Accompanied by fellow mountaineers from the club, Dr. Nabaz achieved a remarkable milestone in 1988, becoming the first Kurd to scale the Himalayan range. His ascent was marked by a deeply symbolic act — raising the Kurdish flag on the peaks of the world’s highest mountains. This act of cultural pride and athletic excellence solidified his place in Kurdish history and brought recognition to Kurdish identity on a global stage.
Tragically, Dr. Nabaz’s life was cut short in 1993 during a climbing accident on Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain. The loss of this pioneering figure was deeply felt by the Kurdish community and the mountaineering world.
Dr. Nabaz’s journey to the Himalayas is remembered not only as a testament to his skill and determination but also as a celebration of Kurdish heritage. His legacy continues to inspire future generations to pursue their dreams and break barriers, both on the mountains and beyond.