History of Kermanshah
Kermanshah, located in western Iran near the Zagros Mountains, is an ancient city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Known as a center of commerce, culture, and art throughout history, it has been inhabited since prehistoric times and served as a key hub during the Median, Achaemenid, and Sassanid eras. The city reflects a blend of Kurdish and Persian cultural influences, evident in its architecture, traditions, and local crafts.
Cultural and Historical Attractions
Kermanshah is home to several notable landmarks, including the Taq Bostan rock reliefs, the Temple of Anahita, and historic bazaars. Visitors can explore ancient rock carvings, mosques, and traditional houses that showcase the city’s artistic and architectural heritage. The city also offers cultural festivals, museums, and local handicrafts that reflect the rich traditions of the region.
Natural Surroundings and Garehban Area
The Garehban region, located near Kermanshah, is renowned for its scenic landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and rivers. It provides opportunities for hiking, trekking, and enjoying the natural beauty of western Iran. Visitors can explore rural villages, experience local customs, and immerse themselves in the serene environment, making Garehban a perfect complement to the historical and cultural attractions of Kermanshah.
Bistun, located near Kermanshah, is a historic site famous for the Bistun Inscription, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Achaemenid era. The site features a monumental rock relief commissioned by King Darius I, depicting his victory and including inscriptions in Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian. Visitors can explore the ancient carvings, learn about Persian history, and admire the impressive natural and historical landscape of the Bistun mountain area.
Taq Bostan, located near Kermanshah, is a historical site famous for its magnificent Sassanid-era rock reliefs and royal arches. The site features intricately carved depictions of kings, hunting scenes, and royal ceremonies, showcasing the artistic and architectural achievements of the Sassanid period. Visitors can admire the impressive carvings, enjoy the surrounding natural landscapes, and learn about the rich cultural and historical heritage of western Iran.
Takyeh Moaven-ol-Molk, located in Kermanshah, is a historic mourning hall famous for its exquisite Qajar-era architecture and stunning wall paintings. The building features intricate frescoes, calligraphy, and artistic decorations depicting religious and cultural scenes. Visitors can explore the hall to admire its unique artistic heritage and gain insight into traditional Iranian architecture and the cultural practices of the region.
Palangan Village, located in the mountains of Kermanshah Province, is a picturesque Kurdish village known for its stepped architecture, stone houses, and scenic landscapes. Built along a steep slope, the village offers stunning views of surrounding valleys and rivers, and visitors can explore narrow alleys, traditional homes, and local markets. Palangan provides a unique glimpse into rural Kurdish life, culture, and customs, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking both nature and heritage.
Garehban Region, located near Kermanshah, is a scenic area known for its lush valleys, rolling hills, and mountainous landscapes. The region offers excellent opportunities for hiking, trekking, and nature photography, as well as exploring traditional Kurdish villages and experiencing local culture. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful environment, natural beauty, and rural lifestyle, making Garehban a perfect destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation near Kermanshah.
Anahita Temple, located near Kermanshah, is an ancient Persian temple dedicated to the goddess Anahita, the deity of water and fertility. Built during the Sassanid era, the temple features impressive stone architecture, columns, and intricate carvings that reflect the religious and artistic traditions of ancient Persia. Visitors can explore the ruins, admire the architectural details, and learn about the historical and cultural significance of Anahita worship in the region.
Kurdish Dance is a traditional folk dance performed by the Kurdish people across western Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Syria. Characterized by lively movements, rhythmic steps, and group formations, it is often accompanied by traditional Kurdish music played on instruments such as the daf, tanbur, and saz. Kurdish dance is an important expression of cultural identity, celebrating social events, festivals, weddings, and communal gatherings, and it continues to be a vibrant and cherished tradition among Kurdish communities.
Farhad’s Rock Relief (Farhad Tarash), located near Kermanshah, is an enormous rock-carving site attributed to the legendary figure Farhad from Persian folklore. The site features a massive, unfinished rock relief carved directly into the mountainside, reflecting the skill and ambition of ancient artisans. Visitors can explore the site, admire the scale and craftsmanship of the carving, and learn about the legends and historical context associated with Farhad in Persian culture.
