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Kurdestan, with lofty mountains, numerous river and springs, lush vegetation has splendid natural beauty and endless fascination for many visitors. Covering and area of 24998 sq. kms, it is bounded on the north by the western Azerbaijan, on the south by Kermanshah, on the east by Hamadan and Zanjan and on the west by Iraq.
Climate
Because of winds from the Mediterranean Sean and the Atlantic Ocean, the amount
of annual precipitation is comparatively high in this province. In general, the
mountainous areas and plateaus have cold winter and mild summer.
Mountains
The Zagros range, stretching from the border with Armenia in the northwest to
the Persian Gulf, runs through Kurdestan. The highest mountain is Mt. Shahoo, in
Marivan in the south of the province. The other considerably high mountains are
Chehel Cheshmeh, Badr, Darvazeh and Panjeh Ali. There are also many mountains
scattered all over the province, including Siyah Mansoor, Shahneshin, Arbaba,
Owraman, Piran and Abidar.
Political Subdivisions
Kurdestan includes eight cities. Sanandaj is the provincial capital Sanandaj is
the center of Kurdestan Province of Iran and is 512 Kilometer at the south west
of Tehran. The lattitude of the city is 1480m. Sena or Sena_Degh or Sanandaj is
a new city which at the Safavid period, Shah Safi ordered and the city was built
by Soleyman Khan-e-Ardalan in 1046AH. Thus a strong castle by the village of
Sena was built at the beginning and was known as Sena-Degh. Then on The Eastern
side base of a new city was founded which later on was named Sanandaj but in
local language people still call Sena for Sanandaj. The following are its other
cities: Baneh, Bijar, Saghez, Divandarreh, Qorveh, Marivan and Kamyaran.
Agriculture
The economy of the province, specially its eastern areas, is based on
agriculture and animal husbandry. In highlands crops are mainly produced by dry
farming. In different parts of the province diverse crops are cultivated. These
include cereals (wheat, barley and corn), fruits (apples, cherries, peaches,
pears and apricots) and sugar beets, tobacco and sunflowers. Animal husbandry
and apiculture are the main economic activities of Kurdistan’s nomadic people.
Plant Life
The province’s plant life is rich in variety. The mountains are covered with
broad-leafed deciduous trees, such as oak, plum, pistachio, pear, walnut and
maple. The northern and northwestern forests are more luxuriant than the forests
in the other parts.
Rivers
Due to several snow-clad mountains, there are many rivers in Kurdestan,
providing water for agriculture. The most important river is the Gezel Owzan,
which originates in the Chehel Cheshmeh mountains, flowing to the Caspian Sea.
The other important rivers are as follows: The Zarrineh Rood, Karkhe, Simineh
Rood, Gaveh Rood, Zab-e-Koochek, Cham Saghez and Sirvan. The Sirvan is the
longest river in the province.
Mineral Springs
One of the most important mineral springs is Cheshmeh-e-Baba Gorgor, 18 kms
northwest of Qorveh. The water of the spring forms a spectacular round pool.
Having medicinal qualities, this spring attract a large number of people from
different parts of the country every year. The hot spring of Cheshmeh-e-Govaz,
50 kms northwest of Kamyaran, being useful for skin diseases and rheumatism,
attract many visitors, specially in summer. The spring of Cheshmeh-e-Ab-e-Talkh
in Bijar is also useful for rheumatism.
Wildlife
Due to Kurdestan’s natural features, wildlife is rich in variety, including
bears, wild boars, foxes, hyenas, jackals, weasels and sables. Birds, such as
ducks, geese, partridges, sparrow hawks, eagles, herons and grouses live in most
parts of the province. To protect animals, three wildlife sanctuaries have been
established, which are as follows: Bijar, 15 kms northwest of Bijar; Zarrineh-e
Obato, 16 kms north of Divandarreh and Chahardo, 15 kms east of Qorveh.
The People, Language and Religion
Kurdestan is the home of the Kurds who are (as most of the Iranian Peoples)
descendants of the Aryane tribes. Kurdish, a language which has seen scant
modification over the centuries, is spoken in various dialects throughout the
province. The vast majority of the Kurds are Muslims, of the Sunnite branch.
Nomadic way of life is also found all over the province. The most significant
tribes are as follows: Sheykh Esma’ili, Dorraji, Soorsoori, Lak, Soomari,
Golbaghi and Qualqali.
Customs
The Kurds,
particularly those living in villages, have the greatest respect for their own
traditions, whose clothing is a good example of this. They usually wear woolen
clothes, the forms of which are dependent on the regional circumstances. The
weddings and burials are taken with special ceremonies. The hospitality and
bravery of the Kurds have nationwide fame.
Handicrafts
Carpet weaving is of high significance in Kurdestan. The carpets woven in
Sanandaj and Bijar have elaborate patterns and charming designs. The other
handicrafts produced in this province are follows: Jajims (fine carpets made of
wool or cotton), Gelims (rug made of goat’s hair), Givehs (light cotton summer
shoes), regional jewelry. Each of these handicrafts is delicate and beautiful,
suitable to be kept as a souvenir.
Sanandaj
