GLENDALE—Emil Markarian, one of the pioneers of Iran’s mountaineering, will be honored for his accomplishments on Sunday, Oct. 5, at Wildwood Canyon Park in Burbank.
From drawing the first maps for climbing Iran’s countless peaks, to assisting the U.S. Navy recover bodies from a plane crash, to climbing for the sheer joy of it, Markarian loomed large in Iran’s mountaineering circles. His maps are still in use today, half a century after they were originally drawn.
Seizing on the opportunity of Khachatour Abovian Mountains Day (Apovian, along with Hovhannes Ayvazian and Mourad Petrossian, were the first Armenians to summit Ararat in 1829, then the highest mountain climbed outside the Andes), the Armenian Hikers Association and Armenian Hiking Society have organized a short hike and program to present Emil’s achievements and recognize his accomplishments.
Robert Assarian, (who came up with Apovian Day), admiringly observed, “Emil will participate despite his 82 years of age and reminisce about some of the adventures he shared with other climbers. Some of them met the fate reserved for those who attempt challenging ascents on rocky, snowy slopes. He’ll also inspire us with a glimpse at the significant Armenian contribution to mountaineering in Iran.” A slide show will deliver a sampling of the adventures visually.
The hike starts at 8 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 5. Participants should be back at their cars by no later than 10:30.
If interested in attending, please inform the organizers at info@armenianhikersassociation.com, since light refreshments are planned.
To access the trailhead, follow these directions:
1- Starting at Glenoaks Boulevard and Harvard Road in Burbank, head north, towards the mountains;
2- Drive all the way through the residential area, and beside the DeBell golf course, almost all the way to the Castaways Restaurant.
3- Immediately after passing the stone archway entrance to Wildwood Canyon Park, turn right into the parking lot.
The Armenian Hikers Association promotes enjoyable, healthful, and safe hikes and similar activities in the wildlands, woodlands, and wherever else Armenians and their friends can go. AHA! can be reached through www.armenianhikersassociation.com or Facebook.
