Kurdestan is located in western Iran and bordering Iraq

Kurdestan Attractions Galore

By Sadeq Dehqan

Located in western Iran and bordering Iraq, Kurdestan is a green province spread over 28,203 square kilometers.

Natural Features
The province’s mountainous areas extend from Qezelozan Valley to mountains of southern Zanjan. It has large plains, with the highest called Obatu situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters to the north of the provincial capital, Sanandaj. The highest mountains of the region are Shahneshin in northern Bijar, Sheida in the central part of the province and Panjeh Ali, which is located between Qorveh and Saqqez.
Baneh and Marivan experience the highest annual precipitation in the province with about 800 millimeters while Sanandaj registers the lowest at 400 millimeters. The province boasts of oak forests and different types of trees due to its suitable humidity level.
The province has suitable habitats for mammals and different species of birds as well as marine species because of its diverse climatic conditions, special topography, abundance of water resources and suitable flora.
Kurdestan has 5 first grade, 10 second grade, 16 third grade and three fourth grade hunting zones, in addition to Bijar Protected Zone’s hunting zone. The zone is the only natural reserve located in the northeast of the province and covers an area of 23,000 hectares.
The zone is host to many permanent and seasonal spas. It is also rich in terms of wildlife, with a diverse species of mammals, birds and reptiles.
Gazelle, brown bear, boar, wolf and rabbit are also found in the zone. Among the birds of the region one could refer to partridges and gray herons.
Marivan Lake, which is located in the area, is the main habitat of otter in Iran.
Culture and Traditions
Kurdestan has a rich culture and civilization.
Different variations of the Kurdish dialect are spoken in the province. The Urami variation was the language of the province until a few decades ago.
Before the advent of Islam, the residents of the region practiced Zoroastrian rituals. Traces of this culture are detectable in their rituals and music. However, at present, most inhabitants of Kurdestan are Sunni, belonging particularly to the Shafei sect.
Kurds traditionally prefer to wear their local costumes to maintain their cultural identity. Even during the early days of the former Pahlavi regime when Reza Shah ordered all people of the country to wear modern clothes, Kurds resisted this order and did not change their attire.
The Kurdish dress of women is colorful and derives inspiration from the natural surroundings. While Kurdish women wear long dresses decorated with needlework, Kurdish men wear loose pants, boots and a head covering. They also use belts made of colorful cloth.
The cultural attractions of Kurdestan include songs and dance, which have been preserved since ancient times. Kurdish music pertains to different moods, but it is mostly known for its fast and lively rhythm.
Kurdish music is played during funerals, wedding processions and even sickness. It can easily make a listener sad or jubilant.
A visit to any of its cities is worth a trip.