12 May Bakhmet-Smolenskyi on Turkish Haircut

Illya Bakhmet-Smolenskyi and the first repetition of Turkish Haircut, 9a.

For the more passionate readers this isn’t the first time we talk about him. This time, Illya Bakhmet-Smolenskyi has reached the chain of one of the hardest routes in the whole Afrika, another hard line in his brilliant career. In Citdibi, he has climbed Turkish Haircut, a solid 9a line. Freed by Megos back in december 2020, it is the hardest line in Turkey.

The right attempt has come afet twelve sessions divided in two trips. Climbing it has been a real tough challenge, Illya has fought versus skin, tendons, and also versus bad conditions. Despite all, he has climbed the line establishing the first repetition. He almost sent it during his first trip, but a sharpy one finger pocket cut his skin. As every teenagers, Bakhmet-Smolenskyi is a student and he has seen homeschooling as a great opportunity. 

The most active readers probably remember Illya because of his record: he is the youngest climber to send a 9a route, just at age 13!

From Illya Bakhmet-Smolenskyi’s IG page

AP