Mark Ziese

December 30, 2012

A Turkish Bath Experience: An Untold Story that Should Probably Remain Thataway

Mark Ziese

December 30, 2012

From camel-hair scrubs to bone-cracking massages, discover what really happens inside a traditional men's hamam on the Turkish-Iranian border.

Mark Ziese

December 2, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

The Living Ice of Mount Ağrı: Glaciers & Climate Change

Mark Ziese

December 2, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

Explore the shrinking glaciers of Mount Ararat (Ağrı Dağı). A look at climate data, the mechanics of "living ice," and reflections on the Ark’s survival.

Mark Ziese

November 28, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

Decision in the Dark of Ararat: The Brutal Reality of a Midnight Summit Push

Mark Ziese

November 28, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

Traceless gravel, biting cold, and a grueling midnight ascent. Step into the boots of a mountaineer facing the ultimate test of endurance on Ağrı Dağı.

Mark Ziese

November 16, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

High Camp Realities: Diamox, Pee Bottles, and Summit Night Nerves

Mark Ziese

November 16, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

High Camp brings spectacular views, altitude sickness, and the dreaded "pee bottle" dilemma. Read the hilarious and tense reality of preparing for a 2:00 AM summit push.

Mark Ziese

November 14, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

Chasing Noah's Ark: Climbing Ağrı Dağı in 1967 (Part 3)

Mark Ziese

November 14, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

Lost in a remote Turkish border town with a broken motorcycle and no translator—discover Ward Patterson’s dramatic 1967 expedition up Mt. Ararat.

Mark Ziese

November 11, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

The Warrior’s Bow: A Reflection on Rainbows from Mt. Ararat

Mark Ziese

November 11, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

A sudden rainbow on Mt Ararat prompts an exploration into the original Hebrew meaning of Genesis 9: the warrior’s bow hung in peace.

Mark Ziese

November 5, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

The Scree Scramble and the Great Vintage Crampon Disaster

Mark Ziese

November 5, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

Preparing for ice on Mt. Ararat, a thrifty DIY strapping system backfires spectacularly outside the High Camp mess tent. Read the latest expedition update.

Mark Ziese

October 28, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

The Meaning of Ararat: Moving to High Camp & Biblical History

Mark Ziese

October 28, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

Journey from Low to High Camp while exploring the four mentions of Ararat in the Hebrew Bible. Is it a mountain, a land, or a political kingdom?

Mark Ziese

September 29, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

Çevirme: The End of the Line and the Start of the Trail

Mark Ziese

September 29, 2012

Mt. Ararat, Exploring Türkiye

Past the Şeyhli Marsh lies Çevirme—a village of stacked stone, red buildings, and centuries of history. Step into the slow, measured pace of a high-altitude expedition.