Kurdistan province
- This article is about the Iranian province. For the larger area held to include parts of Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Georgia and Syria, see: Kurdistan.
Kurdistan Province ("Parêzgey kurdistan" in kurdish), is one of the thirty provinces of Iran, not to be confused with the greater geographical area of Kurdistan. It is in the west of the country, bordering Iraq. The province of Kurdistan is 28,817 km² in area and is located in the west of Iran. It is bound by Iraq on its west, the province of west Azerbaijan to its north, Zanjan to s northwest, and Kermanshah (Kirmashan) to its south.
The capital of Kurdistan is the city of Sine (Also called Senna). Other major cities of the province are Marivan, Baneh, Saqqez, Qorveh, Bijar , Diwandarra and Kamyaran.
It is important to remember that the province called "Kurdistan" inside iran, is just a small part of the kurdish inhabited areas inside iran. Other areas include, west azerbaijan province (Mahabad, Bokan, Sardasht, Naghada, Shino, Tikab, Wurme (Urumiye)), Kirmashan province (Kermanshahan in persian) and Ilam province.
History
The rich, beautiful, and mountainous lands of this area first encouraged Aryan tribes to settle in this region after their immigration to Iran. It was from here where the first plan to overthrow the Assyrians began, leading to their defeat in 612 BCE, and setting the stage for the commence of the Median empire.
When the Islamic Arabs attacked the Sassanid empire in 634CE, many Kurds resisted their invasion but were eventually brought under Muslim rule. In 835 CE one of the Kurdish leaders revolted against Al-Mu'tasim, but was eventually suppressed. The Kurds revolted against the Arab Caliphs several times but were defeated.
Kurdistan during the next few hundred years became the arena of conflict between various invaders like the Mongols and Timurids. Its steady decline began in the 16th century when sea traffic replaced the famous Silk Road.
Upon the order of Sultan Muhammad Khodabandeh (Uljaitu), a small town in the name of Soltanabad Chamchal was constructed in Bisutun region to function as the official and political center of Kurdistan in the middle ages. This status lasted for nearly 1.5 centuries until in 1372 CE, the government moved to Hassanabad fort, 6 km. south of Sanandaj.
During the reign of Shah Ismail I, the founder of Safavid dynasty, Sunni Kurds were supported by Ottoman Caliphs against the Shi'ite government of the Safavids. When Soleiman Khan Ardalan came to power in 1630 CE, the throne was transferred to Sanandaj and from then on, the rulers contributed to the flourishing and development of the area. With the establishment of Zand dynasty, for the first time in the history of Iran, a Kurdish dynasty took the throne. In the late Zandieh period, some parts of west Azarbaijan came under the rule of Kurdish tribes.
During 19th and 20th centuries, Kurdish tribes of the region revealed their inner inclination for independence and establishment of a Kurdish government . In 1946, coincident with the occupation of Iran by the Allies, Ghazi Mohammed formed the Peoples Republic of Kurdistan with the help of Russians. But after complete evacuation of Iran by Allies and sending of Iranian army forces to Azarbaijan and Kurdistan, this republic was disintegrated.
Geography
Kurdistan Province is entirely a mountainous region that can be divided into two western and eastern sections from topographical points of view which are located in the east and west of Sanandaj. Kordestan province, being predominantly covered by mountains and hills, has many rivers, lakes, natural ice-stores and caves which render it rather picturesque. Consequently, Kurdistan has always attracted a large number of tourists and fans of mountaineering, ski, and water-sports.
Zarrinehorood, 302 km long, is one of the longest rivers of this province. Its banks offer great opportunities for recreation and the river's plentiful water renders itself ideal for water sports. This river runs northwards and ultimately pours into lake Urumieh. Sirvan river is another prominent river in this province. It runs over a long distance, eventually to join the Tigris in Iraq. The banks of this river, too are remarkably attractive and pleasing. Ghezel Ozoon and Saminerhrood are two other important rivers in this province. A large number of marine species and birds live on the banks of the province's numerous rivers which they seem to find ideal habitats.
Lake Zarivar is the most beautiful waters of the province which lies at the feet to high mountains, providing a delightfully picturesque sight. Its water is sparkingly fresh. The lake has a maximum depth of 50 m and an average depth of 3 m. It is surrounded by thick forests. The whole collection of the lake, the mountains and forests a fascinating panorama. This lake, which has a length of 5 km and a maximum which width of 1.7 km, lies to the west of Marivan. Lake Vahdat's dam, to the north of Sanandaj, provides excellent opportunities for fishing and water-sports.
Kurdistan has the benefit of many resourceful mineral water springs. The most outstanding of these are: Govaz to the northwest of Kamyaran, Abetalkh close to Bijar and Baba Gargar to the north of Ghorveh.
Cave Kereftoo, close to Divandarreh, is a unique natural and at the same time archeological site. Inside the cave there are a number of ancient buildings known as the Temple of Heraclius, because the name of this Greek god is carved on the ceiling of one of the halls. Cave Shoovi, 267 m long, is another prominent cave, which lies near the city of Baneh.
Mount Charkhaln 3,330 m high, mount Chehelcheshmeh, 3,173 m, Mount Hossein Bak, 3,091 m, and Mount Masjede Mirza, 3,059 m, are the other large mountains of Kordestan.
Kurdistan has vast forests and refuges, where many animals and birds live, safely from the harms of the human beings: the leopard, ram, wild goat, hyena, jackal, wolf, fox, sable, wesel and such birds as the partridge, wild duck, stork, parrot, eagle.
Climate
Kurdistan is one of the most mountainous regions in Iran and has a generally mild and quite pleasant climate throughout the spring and summer. Winters are long and can be very cold with heavy snowfalls.
People and culture
The population of the province in 1996 was 1,346,383 of which 52.42% were urban dwellers and 47.58% rural dwellers. The sex ratio of the Province is 104. The Kurdish people are the majority population in this province, and they speak Sorani-Kurdish which is a distinct language from persian. The region's historical name is Ardalan.
The Kurdish language is categorized under the Indo-European group of languages, with a distinctive grammatical form. This language has various branches in Iran, such as the Sorani, Kurmanji and Hewrami. A Dialect closely related to Hewrami branch is spojken in the kirmashan province.
Kurdistan Province today
Economy
The major activities of the inhabitants are agriculture and modern livestock farming. Wheat, barley, grains and fruits are the major agricultural products. The chemical, metal, textile, leather and food industries are the main industrial activities in this province.
Colleges and Universities
- Kordestan University of Medical Sciences
- University of Kordestan
- Islamic Azad University of Sanandaj
Attractions
Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization lists 211 sites of historical and cultural significance in Kordestan province. Some, such as Ghal'eh Kohneh in Bijar date back to the Sassanid era. For more info, see the provincial Cultural Heritage Organization website linked at the bottom of this page.
