If you are looking for a happy place with a rich heritage to travel to in Iran? Look no more.
Kurdistan is the place.
Kurdistan people are famous for their hospitality, and warmth.
It does not matter which nationality you are from, visiting Kurdistan will give you a lasting memories.
Kurdistan offers a unique experience by traveling through hundreds of villages, greenery as far as the eye can see, and welcoming peoples.
We are certain that after visiting this mountainous province you will start writing the memoir of your journey.
It takes more than one trip to discover all that Kurdistan has to offer.
We intend to shed the light on some of the amazing places in Kurdistan.
Kurdistan History
The Kurds are a people of Indo-European origin.
They speak an Iranian language known as Kurdish, and comprise the majority of the population of the region – however, included therein are Arab, Armenian, Assyrian, Azerbaijani, Jewish, Ossetian, Persian, and Turkish communities.
Geography
Kurdistan is a northwestern province which borders Iraq and Turkey, with Sanandaj as it’s capital.
Kurdistan covers around 28,817 km² in Iran, and bordering to the North with West Azerbaijan, kermanshah province to the South, from the East to Hamadan, and from the South to Sulaymaniyah of Iraq.
Other counties with their major cities are Marivan, Baneh, Saqqez, Qorveh, Piranshahr, Bijar, Kamyaran, Dehgolan, Diwandarreh and Sarvabad.
Because of it’s rolling green
hills and deep valleys, and great weather, Kurdistan attracts large numbers of tourists year round.
Ideal time to travel to Kurdistan
If you enjoy snow and skiing, Kurdistan offers both during winter season.
For other activities, spring and summer are great time to travel to Kurdistan.
Kurdistan Climate
The climate of the Kurdistan Region is semi-arid continental:
very hot and dry in summer, and cold and wet in winter.
Spring is the most beautiful season in Kurdistan….
Winters are mild, except in the high mountains.
Temperatures range from 7-13 degrees in lower areas and 2-7 degrees in higher areas.
Kurdistan enjoy a good some of snow during the winter season at high peak.
Languages and religion
The Kurdish people are the majority population in this province, and they speak Sorani-Kurdish which is a northwestern Iranian language.
There is also a significant Azeri minority in Qorveh and Bijar.
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, Hewrami, Feyli, Kalhuri and Kurmanji.
Majority of the people in Kurdistan province speak variants of Sorani Kurdish, sometimes called as “Ardalani” dialect.
Hewrami Kurdish is also spoken around Marivan, in a region called “Hewramanî Text”(The Flat Hawraman).
Most people in the province are Kurds, and the majority of them are Shafi’i Sunni Muslims, while In eastern parts of the province including Bijar and Qorveh, the majority are Shiites.
There also exists an Azeri minority in the villages around Qorveh.
Local Food
Because of it’s nature and variety of organic herbs, fruits, Kurdistan offers some of most delicious organic foods for food lovers.
Some of these tasty foods are.
Shelkeeneh
Or local bread with a recipe of egg, flour, milk, saffron, salt, and sugar are made, and served in social gathering .
Ghayermeh
Kurdistan famous Ghayermeh has a long process of preparation which include baking the kangar, marinading in a special sauce and finally frying.
It is usually served with rice or local bread.
Koofteh Shoorba
It is considered to be the strongest (rich in calories) Kurdistani’s food.
The main ingredients are rice, meat (ground beef), onions, fresh vegetables, beans, flour, tomato sauce, and varieties of spices.
Kalaneh
Simply said, it is Kurdish vegetarian Pizza.
It is a favorite among the locals and it is served in almost all gatherings.
Souvenir
Kurdish carpet, and Geleem are famous worldwide, because of it’s unique color coordinations.
Handmade backgammon set and chess board are other wonderful gifts to pick up while visiting Kurdistan
Or you may try some of local sweets such as Naan brenji, Sesami cookies.
Clothing
Kurdish people’s clothing has its own sets of uniqueness.
Tourist attractions
Because of its long history and amazing nature’s Kurdistan is considered the crown jewels of Iranian provinces.
Some of attractions are Baba Gargar natural spring water, winsar Ghroveh mirage, Aabeder water park, lake Zreywar, Arbaba mountain, Saghez, Zeveh historical hill, Seervan river.
Sanandaj
Kurdish populations in Sanandaj are are only second to Kermanshah.
Because of it’s high elevation (1500m) and ideal climate, it was built nine centuries ago by the order of suleiman khan Ardelan as a military compound.
Seervan river
This roaring river is the most well known river in Kurdistan and is located in the western, and northwestern part of Hooraman region.
A good portion of this river is in Paveh region, and it will gradually enter the country of Iraq.
Villages
Palangon, Tangi Sar of Sanandaj, Hooyeh, Palangon Oraman Takhat, and historical villages of Negal.
Palangan
Is well known for it’s staircase structures, it’s natural spring waters, water falls, stone structures, Tangyour river and more importantly hospitable peoples that attracts large numbers of tourism.
Uraman Takhet Village
It is one of the most visited place in Kurdistan.
This village is boarded with Iraq.
Towering mountains, and magnificent staircase houses attracts many tourists to this place each year.
Historical places in Kurdistan
Zeeveyeh Castle in Saghez, poleh Gheslagh in Sanandaj, Darelahsan Mosque in Sanandaj, Kamyaran Stone, Nabeshteh Castle, House of Kord, Mosheer complex, Sanandaj museum, and Khan public bath are few to be mentioned.
Where to stay while visiting Kurdistan?
To alleviate the concern about your accommodations, please visit sepanja.com and sort through many options that is available to you.
You can rent a house, rent an apartment, rent a suite or rent different accommodations that most suit your needs or budget.
Enjoy your trip to Kurdistan.
