Lorestan is a land of springs, ponds, numerous wetlands, and waterfalls, situated in western Iran. Its historical significance lies in the fact that it is the only province in Iran that has dedicated a section of the National Museum of Iran to itself.
History
Archaeological findings introduce Lorestan as one of the earliest human settlements. The Medes and later the Scythians were among the first peoples to settle in this region.
The people of Lorestan speak various dialects of Luri – Luri Bakhtiari, Luri Khorramabadi, and a specific dialect of Borujerdi.
Geography
Lorestan's mountainous terrain borders Hamadan and Markazi provinces to the north, Isfahan to the east, Khuzestan to the south, and Kermanshah and Ilam to the west. It also shares a narrow border with Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari in the southeast.
Lorestan is rich in plane trees, oak, almond, and walnut trees. The entire province is encompassed by the Zagros Mountain range. Oshtornkuh, Green, Qalikuh, and Chel-Nabalegan are some of the mountains in this province.
With 20% of the country's water resources, Lorestan is considered one of the most water-rich provinces in Iran.
Climate
The climate of the province is variable and that is why the region is called four-season. For example, when northern Lorestan is snowy, the southern part has rainy and relatively warm weather. Khorramabad, the capital of this province, has a moderate climate, with a spring starting from late December and an early summer starting from April.
Spring, especially April, is one of the best times to visit this region.
Cities of Lorestan Province
Some of the important cities in Lorestan include: Khorramabad, Borujerd, Dorud, Kuhdasht, Aligudarz, Pol-e Dokhtar, and Aleshtar.
Khorramabad
Khorramabad is an ancient city with a rich history. This city was of great importance during the Sassanid era. It is said that Khorramabad was known as Khaydaloo in the Elamite civilization, and later Shapur II, the king of the Sassanid Empire, built the city of Shapurkhvast on the ruins of this city.
Khorramabad is a city of colors; young Luri women wear clothes and headscarves with vibrant colors, while the elderly prefer simple patterns and black and white scarves. The women's traditional coat, called "kulanjah," is decorated with embroidery and ribbons. Men's clothing is simpler, and their shirt is often made of white cotton.
Remarkable among the numerous natural and historical sites in Khorramabad are Falak-ol-Aflak Castle, Brick Minaret, Gerdab-e Sangi, Bam-e Lorestan, Shapuri Bridge, Makhmal Koh Forest Park, Keeyow Lake, Shurab Forest Park, Khorramabad Inscription, Zeyd Ibn Ali Mausoleum, Shujaoddin Khorshid Mausoleum, and numerous waterfalls such as Nozhian Waterfall, Sarkaneh Waterfall, Afrineh Waterfall, Wark Waterfall.
Borujerd
Borujerd is the second most populous city in Lorestan province. Like Khorramabad, Borujerd has a rich history. The city experiences snowy winters and moderate summers. Borujerd is known for its carpet weaving industry and is the largest producer of "Warsho" (the nickel silver alloy) in the country.
The Qoroq Hill, one of the oldest historical sites in the city, is believed to date back to the Neolithic period. Other attractions in this ancient city include the Gol Dasht area, Jame Mosque, Soltani Mosque, Imamzadeh Ja'far shrine, the historical house of Kamal al-Din Tabatabaei (which has been converted into a museum), the Mesri House, Borujerd Arg (citadel), Chogha Hill, Hatam Castle Bridge, Fadak Garden, Bird Garden, and the village of Karkikhan.
Dorud
Located in the eastern part of Lorestan province, Dorud hosts numerous stone mines. The country's main railway passes through this city, attracting a lot of tourists to the area. People of the city earn their livelihood mainly from livestock farming, agriculture, and various industries and factories.
Attractions such as Bisheh Waterfall, Vaght-e Sa'at Waterfall, Gahar Lake, Baba Hoor Promenade, Sezar River, Aznadar waterfall, Razestan Plain of Overturn Tulips, Pariz Mountain, Gharoon mountain, Azgan Lake, Meno Cave, and Mordeh Cave are some of the fascinating sights in Dorud.
Kuhdasht
The 12,000-year-old paintings of Mir-Malas Cave, the rock carvings of Homyan Cave, and other discovered artifacts in this area indicate the ancient history of Kuhdasht. The city is mentioned in the writings of Hamdollah Mostofi as Kozasht. Agriculture and animal husbandry are the main occupations of the people in Kuhdasht.
The city has about 330 nationally registered historical sites, including Sorkhdam-e Luri Temple, Sorakhdam-e Laki Temple, Zagheh Castle, Kuhzad Castle, Changari Castle, Homyan and Mir-Malas Rock Carvings, and Botkhane Cave.
Boluran Forest Area, Sartarhan Valley, Haleh Dam Area, and Shirz Canyon are some of the natural attractions in Kuhdasht.
Aligudarz
Aligudarz is located in the eastern part of the province with a cold and mountainous climate. According to an account, the name of this county comes from the combination of "Al" and "Gudarz" – the Gudarz dynasty. In this account, the history of the settlement in Aligudarz dates back to the legendary hero Gudarz in Shahnameh.
Aligudarz is famous for its tulip fields and the renowned Babahoor Waterfall. Some of the city's attractions include Ab Sefid Waterfall, Chakan Waterfall, the Plain of Overturned Tulips, Shatt-e Tebembi, Qalikuh, Stone Lions, Chakan Valley, and Tamandar Mountain.
Pol Dokhtar
This county is located in the south of the province and takes its name from an ancient and sturdy bridge built during the Sassanid era.
Kalmakareh Cave, numerous lakes, Pol Dokhtar Bridge, Gavmishan Bridge, Hayat al-Ghaib Mausoleum, Kogan Cave, Oak Forests, and Kashkan River are just some of the attractions of this city.
Accommodations
Hotels such as Rainbow Hotel and Atar Hotel in Khorramabad, Zagros Hotel and Amir Kabir Hotel in Borujerd, Aseman Hotel in Aligudarz, Iranzamin Hotel in Dourud, and Azadi Hotel in Kuhdasht are among the hotels in this province.
For those who want to experience the local atmosphere during their trip to this province, Golchehran Eco-lodge in Borujerd, Shahid Rajaei Eco-lodge located 45 kilometers away from Zal Bridge over the Khorramabad to Andimeshk route, and Riton Sam Eco-lodge in Aligudarz are suitable accommodations for those who prefer the local atmosphere.
Local Foods
Lorestan is the land of kebabs, with the abundance of livestock in this region making meat the staple diet here. The famous kebab of this province is said to be found in Borujerd, followed by Khorramabad and Dorud.
Tarkhineh soup, Khoak and Jegarvaz, Chezenak Regho, which is a type of oily bread made from unleavened bread and animal fat called Regho, Kaloonak Aush in Aligudarz, Shole Mash soup in Dorud, Khorramabad meat soup, Shami Koveh, sour Kalieh or Ghalieh, Saghdo, Dolmeh Barg-e Mo in Borujerd, Porshkah soup, Dugoleh Dodar, Pertleh, which is a special soup for religious ceremonies, Gooleh Rizeh or Qelqeli meat dish, and finally, apple stew must be tasted and remembered during a trip to this province.
The traditional ice cream of Borujerd is also a delicacy not to be missed!
Restaurants
Rezaei Kebab House, Pedarsalar Restaurant, and Haj Shafie's Traditional Chicken Kebab are suitable places in Borujerd to enjoy kebabs and grilled chicken.
The old Shemshad Restaurant in Khorramabad serves delicious kebabs. Z’aferan-e Talaii and Rangin-Kaman restaurants are also popular among tourists.
Alachiq eateries in Khorramabad, Fil O Fenjan in Borujerd, and Shaqayeq in Aligudarz are suitable for those who want to dine out.
Handicrafts
Handicrafts in Lorestan province are classified into three groups: tribal, rural, and urban. Among these, tribal productions are mostly used by families and less marketed outside. However, tribal handicrafts include carpets and rugs, Siah Chador, Hoor and Hoor Asbo.
dying, Jajim, carpet and rug weaving are examples of rural handicrafts.
Felting, silver nickel (Varsho) crafting, wood turning and Toreutics (metalworking) are other handicrafts in this province.
Souvenirs
Honey, Delphan animal oil, Saji bread and Khorramabad flour sweets, Shirmal bread and Tahini halva from Borujerd, Borujerd cookies and Samanoo, Barsagh, Kaak, and various types of halva are some of the delicious souvenirs of Lorestan.
Customs and Traditions
In addition to the beautiful Luri music and dance, there are lots of customs and traditions which are alive and popular in different parts of the province.
Spring House-cleaning, or Gardileh in Luri dialect, has its special customs in this province. In the past, people would go to house-cleaning on the first day of Esfand with a bowl of water, a lamp, and a Quran.
Norooz Khani has also been a tradition in this province. When there was no radio or television, it was a ritual; literate individuals rode horses in villages and towns and heralded the arrival of Norooz by reciting poems.
Alfah and Barat, Forty-Day Mourning of Tasu'a - from the rituals of Muharram, and Yalda Night celebration are other ancient customs in this province.
The religion of the people of Lorestan is Ja'fari Shia, and there is also a group known as Ahl-e Haq with their own beliefs and customs, living in cities like Nurabad and Kuhdasht.
Most of the people here speak Luri, Luri Bakhtiari, and Laki. Laks are mainly found in Nurabad, Aleshtar, Kuhdasht, and Chaghalvandi district, while Lors reside in Balageriveh, Kuhdasht, and in the areas around Khorramabad. Finally, Bakhtiari Lors live in Aligudarz, Azna, and Dorud.