The Karachay-Balkars are the most mountainous people of Europe, living among the highest peaks of the Caucasus. Their homeland lies by the two tallest mountains in Europe — Mount Elbrus (also known as Mingi-Tau) and Dykh-Tau. This rugged region, with its steep valleys and snow-capped summits, has shaped their resilient spirit and proud traditions. As Mahesh Dutt Sharma, the noted journalist and author, wrote in his book “Tales of the Most Adventurous Mountain Peaks”: “The region around Mount Elb