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.

The post Kermanshah appeared first on Persia Advisor.

The magnificent nature along with a rich history attracts a significant number of annual domestic tourists to the region. With an area of about 37411 square meters, the province is the 12th largest province in Iran. It has 17 counties, of which the most populated ones include Khoy, Bukan, and Takab. It holds about four percent of the country’s total population and the majority of its population are Azeri Turks. In addition to Turks, Kurds, Assyrians, and Armenians also live in the province each of which with their own ethnic language.

The history of this area dates back to the Median Empire (678-549 B.C.). At the time of the invasion of Macedonian Alexander to Iran (330 B.C.), this area kept its sovereignty under the ruling of the brave commander Atropates whose name was derived for the current name of Azerbaijan. During the Safavid Dynasty (1501-1736), many bloody wars, most notably the Chaldoran War, took place in this region between Iran and the Ottoman Empire.

After the collapse of the Safavid Dynasty, Azerbaijan fell into the hand of Ottomans for a while and after World War I, Iran came under the influence of Britain. With Iran’s forced participation in World War II, the Soviet Union took control of the northern parts of the country. Eventually, Iran complained to the United Nations about the Azerbaijan occupation, leading to the evacuation of the foreign forces from this province.

 The historical attractions of West Azerbaijan Province registered in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites include Takht-e Soleymān (Solomon’s Throne), the Holy Virgin Mary Church (Chapel of Dzordzor), and Saint Thaddaeus Monastery.

The province has many other historical attractions that are yet to be introduced to the world. The famous Ghotour Bridge in the Iranian-Turkish railroad track is one of the largest railway bridges in the Middle East, introducing it as a tourist attraction of the province. Other attractions include Lake Urmia (the most important permanent lake in Iran), Ghasemlou Valley, Sirdaghi Mountains, Bastam Citadel, and the ancient Teppe Hasanlu.

The province is also known for its handicrafts and traditional arts as well as its cuisine. The skilled masters of delicate woodworks, chessboard and chess pieces, and felt clothes are from this province. Varieties of sweets such as honey, Halva (a sweet paste dessert made of walnut, carrot, and wheat flour), and natural extracts of grapes (maybe mixed with walnuts, pistachios, and almonds) are among the main souvenirs of West Azerbaijan. The dishes called by the locals as Gatkh-Shurbasi (Yogurt Stew) and Ghorout-Shurbasi (Curd Stew) are the main local foods as   typical examples of the cooking style in the region.

The post West Azerbaijan (Qarbi) appeared first on Persia Advisor.