Kermanshah

Kermanshah also known as Bakhtaran, located in the western part of Iran and on the slopes of Mt.Sefid Kooh is a city of unique monuments. Because of its antiquity, attractive landscapes, rich culture and Neolithic villages, Kermanshah is considered one of the cradles of prehistoric cultures. The four-season climate attracts tourists throughout the year. Kermanshah sights include Kohneh Bridge, Behistun Inscription, Taghbostan, Temple of Anahita, Dinavar, Ganj Dareh, Essaqwand Rock Tombs, Sorkh Deh chamber tomb, Malek Tomb, Hulwan, Median dakhmeh (Darbad, Sahneh), Parav cave, Do-Ashkaft Cave, Tekyeh Moavenalmolk, and etc. Kermanshah Province has a rich Paleolithic heritage so that the first known physical remains of Neanderthal man in Iran were discovered in Bisitun Cave and now rich collections of stone tools and animal fossil bones from various Paleolithic sites is kept in The Zagros Paleolithic Museum. Kermanshah boasts natural attractions such as the mountains of Perav, Bistoun, Dalahoo, Shahoo and Dalakhani, valleys, jungles and springs. It is home to lagoons such as Niloufar, Bistoun, Yavari, Hashilan and Harsin. Kermanshah is one of the western agricultural Core of Iran that produces grain, rice, vegetable, fruits, and oilseeds. Kermanshah is renowned as Iran’s India due to its cultural diversity. It is the cradle of mystic music and traditional Iranian musical instrument tanbur (the long-necked, string instrument). Kilim and giveh (a type of traditional Iranian shoes) are among the most important handicrafts produced in the province.

Bisotun is a UNESCO-protected cliff area with bas-relief carving and inscriptions. Bisetoun complex and its magnificent mythical relief is at the foot of Bisotun Mountain, the flank of which is the location of an important historical site. The imperial road from Ekbatana to Babylon passed at the foot of the mountain. On the rocky slopes king Darius I left the Behistun Inscription. From the Seleucid epoch there is a Herakles statue. Next to it Parthian kings added some reliefs. Late Sasanian rulers prepared a large piece of rock for another victory relief which was never finished because of the subsequent Arab invasion. Later folklore connected this place to the legend of Farhad and Shirin. The multi-lingual Behistun inscription is considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read more

Sassanid bas-relief of Taq-e Bostan is a site with a series of large rock relief. This example of Sassanid art is located 5 km (3 mi) from the city center of Kermanshah in western Iran. It is located in the heart of the Zagros Mountains, where it has endured almost 1,700 years of wind and rain. Tagh-e Bostan and its relief patterns accentuate power, religious tendencies, glory, honor, the vastness of the court, game and fighting spirit, festivity, joy, and rejoicing. Read more

Tekyeh Moavenalmolk: During the Qajar dynasty (1794 to 1925), Kermanshah Bazaar, Mosques and Tekyehs such as Moavenalmolk Mosque, and beautiful houses such as Khaja Barookh's House were built. Tekyeh Moavenalmolk, which is one of the glorious works built during Qajar dynasty, is unique because of its unbeatable tiling as it has many pictures on the walls that relate to Persepolis, Shahnameh and battles in Islam.

Kangavar city located in the eastern part of Kermanshah Province best known for the archaeological remains of a mixed Sassanid and Achaemenid-style edifice and enjoy visiting one of the most famous temples in Iran, Anahita temple the second Iranian stone building situated in Kangavar. This archaeological site popularly thought to have been attributed to the ancient deity Anahita. During the occupation of Kangavar in Seljuk era, a major sanctuary was erected to the mother goddess, Anahita. This vast temple was built of enormous blocks of stone with an imposing entrance of staircases probably inspired by Apadana in Persepolis. The remains at Kangavar reveal an edifice that is Hellenistic in character, and yet display Persian architectural designs. The plinths enormous dimensions for example, which measure just over 200m on a side, and its megalithic foundations, which echo Achaemenid stone platforms, "constitute Persian elements". This is thought to be corroborated by the "two lateral stairways that ascend the massive stone platform recalling Achaemenid traditions", particularly that of the Apadana Palace at Persepolis.