Ilam Province is situated in the western foothills of the Zagros Mountain Range. It is a land with diverse climates and ancient natural and historical attractions, known as the bride of Zagros.
History
According to historical documents, this province was part of the ancient civilization of Ilam. The historical monuments and ancient inscriptions in the city are evidence of the age of Ilam. Before the Pahlavi period, this province was called Poshtkuh-e Lorestan, but during the Pahlavi era it was named Ilam, based upon its historical background.
Geography
With an area of about 20,133 square kilometers, Ilam Province ranks twenty-second in terms of area in the country. It is bordered by Kermanshah to the north, Khuzestan to the south, Lorestan to the east, and Iraq to the west. Ilam has a 420-kilometer border with Iraq. A significant portion of the population in Ilam Province lives a nomadic life.
The northern and northeastern regions of Ilam Province are mountainous and high, while the southern and southwestern regions are low-lying lands. This diversity has led to a variety of natural sights in the region.
Climate
Ilam Province is divided into three climatic regions: the northern and northeastern mountainous regions with cold weather and long winters; the central regions with moderate weather; and the western and southwestern plains with a tropical climate.
Counties of Ilam Province
Ilam Province consists of ten counties: Ilam, Abdanan, Ivan, Badreh, Darreh Shahr, Dehloran, Chardavol, Malekshahi, Mehran, and Sirvan. Below is an introduction to some of the cities.
Ilam
The city of Ilam is situated in the northwest of this province, surrounded by mountains and forested heights, with a moderate climate. Among the historical monuments of Ilam, Vali Castle and Falahati Palace should be mentioned, which are remnants of the Qajar period.
Choghazabz Forest Park is one of the tourist areas of Ilam, which has an amusement park and other recreational facilities.
The Quchali inscription on Argavan Square, Ismail Khan Castle, Takht-e Khan region, Arghavan Valley, Varkaboud Hill, and Sheshdar Jungle recreational Area are some of the other sights.
Abdanan
The fourth most populous city in Ilam Province is called Abdanan. The pristine and spectacular nature of the city and the winding road, resembling the Chalus Road, are some of the region’s chief landmarks. Abdanan means a venue where there are plenty of marshes and ponds.
In a trip to Abdanan, you should not miss the hot springs, Mahote Waterfall, and the twin lakes of Siyahgav or Siagoo.
Ancient castles of Posht Galeh and Hazar Dar are among the historical sites of the city. Hazar Dar Castle (Thousand Doors) dates back to the Sassanid era. It seems the castle used to serve as a military center based on its architectural style.
Dehloran
Dehloran is situated the southeast of the province and shares the widest border with Iraq. Since most of the inhabitants of this county have been Lurs, the area is called Dehloran.
The civilization of Dehloran is too aged. The findings from Ali Kosh and Choghasefid hills date back to the Neolithic period. Qir spring and Bat Cave can be mentioned as natural attractions of Dehloran. Bat Cave is the home and gathering place of thousands of bats, and Qir spring, which is located near Bat Cave, is a natural black pond boiling in tar! This collection of relics, along with the hot springs of Dehloran, has created one of the Iran's natural national monuments protected by the Environmental Protection Organization.
Malekshahi
Malekshahi county has been the settlement area of the Malekshahi tribe. This tribe is named after Amir Malekshahi Seljuk, who had established a government in this area. Among the historical monuments of this city, Galeh Joogh and the prominent relief of Gol Gol Malekshahi must be visited.
Siab Lake is one of the natural sights in Malekshahi county, which is placed in the southwest of this county. The water temperature of this lake is at least 14 degrees Celsius. The area is regarded as one of the recreational sites of the city.
Accommodations
The three-star Zagros Hotel in Choghasbaz area and the two-star Dalahoo Hotel in Ferdowsi Street are among the top-grade accommodations in Ilam province. There are also stunning eco-lodges in the province. For example, one can mention the Bam-e Sarab Eco-lodge in Ilam city, Kabirkoo Eco-lodge in Darreh Shahr, and Sharif Eco-lodge in Chardavol.
Restaurants
The Qabayel Restaurant in Ilam city serves traditional dishes, and its kebab-e barg has a reputation. Padideh Restaurant is also located in the center of Ilam city where a variety of kebabs and traditional stews are cooked.
Local Foods
One of the famous Ilami stews is "Torsh-e Koohi" stew, which bears a strong resemblance to "Ghormeh Sabzi" stew. The main ingredients of this stew are lamb meat, leek, or kidney beans, and wild leek.
"Dandeh Polo" is another local dish of Ilam. To cook this dish, they put lamb shank in the bottom of the pot with cooking oil, then add soaked rice, fried onion, and cumin and cinnamon on top to steam the polo.
Mountain pennyroyal is abundant in the Ilam region. The scent and taste of many Ilami foods are influenced by this plant; For example, "Gojeh Pooneh," a vegetable and healthy dish made from a combination of local rice, tomatoes, onions, turmeric, and mountain pennyroyal.
"Koofteh Siraabi" is one more famed dish in Ilam province. This meatball is made by mixing ground meat with vinegar, flour, animal oil, onions, and aromatic herbs such as thyme, mountain pennyroyal, and tarragon.
Souvenirs
Ilam has various handicrafts and foods that are considered souvenirs of the province. Some of the popular sweets of this province include "Bejibarsaq," "Kalleh konj," and "Halvaye Bagel." Pistachios or mountain pistachios, Ambarbu rice, honey, and local oil are other local products of this province that visitors’ attention.
Handicrafts
"Giweh" and "Gelim Barjasteh" are prominent handicrafts of this province. In Gelim Barjasteh, the background of the work is woven in the common style of Gelim. While patterns are woven with complete knots of rug-weaving. This makes the designs and patterns prominent and creates a special effect.
Another example of Ilami art is "Namad Mali." Due to the prevalence of animal husbandry in this province, the raw material of Namad (felt), namely sheep's wool, is always available. Felt underlay, hat, and coat are the products of Namad Mali artisans.
"Ehrami Bafi" is also one of the arts of the tribes and villagers of Ilam. Fabrics with soft patterns and colors woven from a combination of wool and cotton. Ehrami was mostly used as a prayer mat in the past, but now it has also become decorative and is used as a tablecloth or wall hanging.
Customs and Traditions
One of the prominent traditions of Ilam province is celebrating the Yalda night ceremony. Before the start of the celebration, women gather together and bake local sweets. On the night of the celebration, everyone gathers in the houses of the elders, listens to stories, or plays local games.
A common belief in the region is that whoever falls asleep on the Yalda night will remain asleep for the rest of the year and fall behind in their work.
