According to the archaeological excavations in different areas of Kermanshah such as the ancient hill Ganj Dareh in Harsin, the history of the province dates back to about 7,000 to 8,500 B.C. This proves the existence of the humans during the Stone Age of Paleolithic and Neolithic periods in this area. Sassanid kings (224-651 A.D.) were also present in this area where they built sumptuous and luxurious palaces and pavilions due to their appropriate geographical position.

The area was entitled “Qarmisin” by the Islamic geographers until the 4th century A.H. but later, it was replaced with Kermanshah. When the Islamic army conquered the historical city of Hulwan, Qarmisin was defeated by the Muslims without any resistance on the part of locals. The center of this district was the city of Qarmisin (Kermanshah), which was one of the four great cities of Jebal province (Ray, Hamedan, and Isfahan) during the Abbasid Caliphate period (750-1518).

Following the Mongol invasion, the area was severely damaged but during the time of Safavid (1501-1736), once again it found great significance though was seized several times by the Ottoman forces. When the Safavid Empire collapsed, the Ottoman forces dominated the area but years later, they were expelled from the west of Iran by Nader Shah Afshar (reign: 1736-1747) who also destroyed the old castle of Kermanshah and built a new fort in its place.

The pristine and beautiful nature of Kermanshah province along with the historical resources attracts domestic and inbound tourists to the region. The Uraman area, located in two provinces of Kurdistan and Kermanshah, is known as the Hezar Masouleh, attributing to the fact that there are many stepped villages (e.g., Hajij Village and Paveh City) in the area. Based on this style of architecture, the roof of the building below in the yard of the building above. Furthermore, Taq-e Bostan, Anubanini petroglyph, central mosque and the market of Kermanshah, Shafei Mosque, Tekyeh Biglarbeygi, Tekyeh Moaven al-Molk, and the Quri Qale Cave are among the historical attractions of the province.

Importantly, the Behistun inscription has been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Of the most important handicrafts of the region include Giveh-Keshi (a form of shoes), Chopoq-Bafi (mat weaving), Qalam-Zani (engraving), Daf, Tar, and Tanbur (musical instruments), leather making, rug, men’s and women’s traditional clothing (Chookhe). In terms of souvenirs, Kak sweets, date bread, Kermanshahi oil, rice bread, sugary bread, Shaho honey, and Paveh pomegranate sauce are known in the province. Some of the local dishes include Dandeh Kebab, Aush-e Abaasali, Khomar Aushi, almond stew, Parsht, Dordeh, Sibpollo (rice and apple), Kermanshahi and Baghi Abgoosht.

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In the Ilam province including 10 counties and its center called Ilam as well,  people are from various ethnic groups of Kurds, Lur, Laks (the mixture of Lur and Kurd), and Arabs. However, the most prevailing costume and language in the province referred to as the Kurdish residents who speak slightly different from Kurds in Kermanshah and Kurdistan provinces.

Historically, the Elam (Elamites) Empire’s (2700- 539 B.C.) territory contained the southwestern parts of Iran’s Plateau with Susa (roughly the areas of modern-day Khuzestan) province, as the center of their ruling. Besides, some parts of the southeastern area of Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Mesopotamia belonged to Elam though difficult to determine the precise border of the lands they ruled over. The Elamites called their homeland “Hatamti” meaning the land of God, while during the Akkadian Empire (the first ancient empire of Mesopotamia in 2334-2154 B.C.) it was referred to as Elamoto.

It seems that the name of Ilam city has originated from the word Elamoto. Assurbanipal, the king of Assyria reigned in a span of 669 to 631 B.C., defeated Elam and plundered Susa; after this, this area never again turned into an independent government. Upon the Achaemenid ruling (550-330 B.C.), the area became a tributary of the central government. Importantly, over the years, the name of this area changed several times, out of which include Sirvan (taken from a river with the same name) and Poshtkouh (because of its geographical location in the western Zagros range behind Lorestan) during the Qajar era (1796-1925).

The pristine and beautiful nature of the area is considered the most important natural attraction of Ilam. On the other hand, the historical and cultural attractions of the province include Vali Castle of Ilam, Falahati Palace, Taq-e Shirin and Farhad, Siahgel Fire Temple, and the remains of the Sassanid city of Sarab-e Kalan. In terms of handicrafts, the most prevailing ones in the region are carpet and kilim usually woven in a floral pattern. The wool used in creating the threads of this carpet is of high quality, while silk threads are also very common in this region.

The nomadic handicrafts of the province include Chit, Tough, Davar, Gouchan, and Douk. When it comes to eatable souvenirs, Kermanshahi oil, Tuff (made of milk and cheese), mountain honey, and chewing gum are known in Ilam. The main ingredients of the local foods are peas, beans, and meat.

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