The Province of Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiyari covers an area of 16,201 sq km, and is situated in the Zagross Mountain Ranges, between the inner ranges and the province of Esfahan. The following five townships such as Ardal, Brujen, Shahr-e-Kord, Farsan, and Lordegan come under the Jurisdiction of this province; Shahr-e-Kord being the capital. In the year 1996, the said province had a population of approximately 761,000 of which about 45% resided in urban areas, 54% rural areas and the remaining were non-resident tribes.

Chahar Mahal va bakhtiyari Province Nesting in the center of the Zagross Mountain Ranges, which span over an area from the northwest of the country to the southeast, this province has a difference in altitude due to the mountainous terrain. The highest part being in he the western segment with an altitude of 4,548 m. and the lower most vicinity being in the eastern sector of Chahar Mahal Va Bakhtiyari. Rivers such as Zayandeh Rood and Karoon originate from the mountains of this province. These mountains due to the relief of the land are snow clad throughout the year, and bear and influence over the climate of the province which experiences a cold climate generally. higher altitudes, that is over 2000 m. and forms a major part of this province, rainfall and snowfalls are from mid-autumn and continue till spring about the month of March/April. But in the lower areas hot summers with temperate areas soaring over 40° C and scanty precipitation are experienced. In the higher altitudes, that is over 2000 m. and forms a major part of this province, rainfall and snowfalls are from mid-autumn and continue till spring about the month of March/April. But in the lower areas hot summers with temperate areas soaring over 40° C and scanty precipitation are experienced. beginning usually in the end of autumn and continues over a period of 4-5 months. The coldest time being December/January with temperatures bearing an average of approximately 10° C, the maximum temperature being 35° C and the minimum dropping to - 15° C. The annual rainfall recorded at 426 mm and the coldest 'Snow bound' days being 127 days on the whole. From around the month of May till October the weather is usually dry.Error processing SSI file

The historical background of the province of Chahar Mahal Va Bakhtiyari intermingles with that of the Bakhtiyari Tribe that comes from a branch of the Lur Clan or Tribe, who were known as Lor-e-Bozorg (Great Lor) in the history of Iran. The Bakhtiyari Tribe can be divided into two tribes (branches), Haft Lang and Chahar Lang. The summer quarters of the Chahar Lang being in the vicinity of the province of Lurestan and generally the Haft Lang Tribe form their jurisdiction in the townships of Brujen, Lordegan, Farsan, Ardal and Shahr-e-Kord. The Bakhtiyari territory at times came under the hands of the province of Fars and was also a part of the Khuzestan province.
Due to their special nomadic life style, very little historical evidences have come to light in this area. But this fact does not take away from the natural scenery beauty such as forestry, wetlands, gushing streams and rivers, waterfalls, thermal and natural springs all enveloped in a cool mountainous climate enhance the natural beauty, beside other interests such as winter sports.
The province of Chahar Mahal Va Bakhtiyari can be said to be one of the most interesting areas in Iran regarding special traditions or rituals, relative to their 'tribal' lifestyle and having a special connection with the national, religious, mourning and wedding ceremonies performed here. Besides which the form of music, dance and apparel (both men and women) can be made special mention of. Thus culturally this vicinity can be named as having features holding its own.Error processing SSI file

In recent years, this township due to expansion has turned into a city, and is one of the smallest cities of the province of Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiyari. It is a place full of natural beauty having cool summers and cold winters.Error processing SSI file

Brujen is located on the plains surrounded by mountains. The capital of which is Shahr-e-Brujen which is 571 km from Tehran. Standing at an attitude of 1,980 m. it has moderately a cold climate, along with greenery and natural beauty in abundance - having cold winters and cool summers.Error processing SSI file

This township is situated in the mountainous region of the north and northwest segment of this province. The capital city being Farsan located 35 km from Shahr-e-Kord, and 578 km from Tehran. The city of Farsan is one of the important summer residing places for Bakhtiyari Tribe, which has excellent weather conditions due to resting in the midst of the inner ranges of the Zagross Mountains.Error processing SSI file

Lordegan is situated to the south of this province neighboring the province of Kohkiluyeh va Boyer Ahmad and Khuzestan. The capital city of which is Lordegan, 81 km south of Shahr-e-Kord and at a distance of 624 km from Tehran. This town forms the area of the Haft Lang Tribe of the Bakhtiyari and most probably takes its name from the old city of Larjan, according to ancient geographers.Error processing SSI file

The township of Shahr-e-Kord is located to the northeast of this province, Shahr-e-Kord being its capital city and situated 543 km from Tehran. Shahr-e-Kord is in the midst of a plain surrounded by mountains. In the 7th Century AH Shahr-e-Kord and its outskirts came under the rule of the Atabakan-e-Fars and Lurestan. It was in this area that a sentry post was set up to control both passenger traffic and see to their need. The Kords formed the guard of this post, thereby this vicinity was known as Dehkord. After many decades due to its expansion Dehkord was named Shahr-e-Kord and is reputed for its fine weather and natural beauty.Error processing SSI file

Cholicheh is one of the villages of Meezdaj, which is situated 30 km southwest of Shahr-e-Kord. In the said and lush greenery, there are the Raz or As'adieh two castles at the short distance from each other which have been constructed by Salar Aazam and Khan Baba which have a glory and beauty in their own kind. After the revolution, the doors and windows of the same have been removed and transferred. As a result of which only two ruined buildings have been left from this monument.Error processing SSI file

Jonaqan or Joneqoon is a small city, situated at 38 km southwest of Shahr-e-Kord which was the residential quarter of the Khans of the Bakhtiyari Tribe. In the year 1939 A.H., Ali Qoli Khan Sardar As'ad built this castle or palace, covering an area of 14,000 sq. m. for his own residential purposes which had a different outlook. The architectural facade of this structure, namely the stone pillars are worth mentioning. Each stone pillar consists of many pieces of different shapes so that in its upper sections the pillars are triangular.Error processing SSI file

This castle and remainders of the aggregate castles of Najaf Qoli Khan are located in Shalamzar and were constructed by the local governors (Khans) of the Bakhtiyari Tribe. The Shalamzar castle which covers an area of 1000 sq. m. was constructed in 1307 A.H. by Morteza Qoli Khan Samsam. This building is rectangular cubic in shape and has double storey, the first floor has a number of rooms with chambers and ceilings made of sun dried bricks (Khesht). In front of these rooms stony porticos with beautiful decorations have been constructed. The second floor is ruined and nothing is left to observe.Error processing SSI file

This castle is in the vicinity of the Jahan Been Mountains and overlooks the village of Tak. It covers an area of 7,000 sq. m. and its pillars are prism-shaped in structure. There are three stony ponds with tile-work in the courtyard of the said castle.Error processing SSI file

Throughout the province of Chahar Mahal Va Bakhtiyari there are archaic trees which some how have intermingled with the religious beliefs of the local inhabitants. A few varieties of such trees are scattered in different parts of the province. A group of people in the region tear a portion of their clothes and hang on them on these trees, believing their wishes will come true in this way.
If their wish or need is granted, a sheep is slaughtered at the foot of that tree. The wonder of these trees lie in their colossal heights and being archaic. A few species of these trees and their location can be mentioned as follows:
The pear tree in Baba Haidar, the oak tree in Ardal, the plane tree in Aalikooh (Cheshmeh Mowla), the apple tree in Semirom, the elm tree in Taqanak (Bagh-e-Arjan), the oak tree in Shahr-e-Kord ( Rokh gorge), the oak tree in Arjang and the almond tree in Nafech.Error processing SSI file

In addition to above, mention can be made of the Dopalan Bridge on Zayandeh Rood River, Sharlo Bridge 7 km from Saman, Hooreh bridge in Houreh village of Shahr-e-Kord, Shahrak and Haj Abdollah baths in Shahr -e-Kord; Faradonban, Sefid Dasht, Shalamzar and Chelicheh baths in Farsan; Haj Mohammad Reza Khan bath in Lordegan, Famokh Shahr palace and Shams Abad castle. Each of which has their own characteristic architecture and precedence.Error processing SSI file

Rural areas of province in addition to suitable climate conditions, greeneries and freshness, have their special architecture which is intermingled with the nature and lifestyle of the rural. For example Hafshejan rural areas are positioned in the plains of Jahanbin Mountains and due to that their special architecture combines with greeneries, beauties and springs. In rural settlements that have been built on the steeper slopes of the mountains, the houses

have been constructed in steps - that is the roof of one forms the courtyard of the house above it.Long brick-made buildings with gable roofs and open balconies beside beautiful pillars, creates a marvelous perspective of rural areas.
The Dorak Shahpouri village which stands at the plains of Zagross Mountains and opposite the Karoon River has the most spectacular scenery. In other villages situated at the banks of rivers and springs, the combination of water, garden, mountain, farms and native architecture, has given a special vision of social life.
Tribal areas being situated and settled in the heart of plains at the skirt of mountains and rocks has created wonderful views of tribal lifestyle, their habits and colorful apparel of both men and women which demonstrate their special ceremonies, must be added to rituals, tribal tracks, pulleys installed on two sides of river which helps to cross over and other interesting factors, intermingle with life and surroundings here.
The territory of Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiyari, from long has been known to be the summer residing quarters (Yeylaq) for Bakhtiyari tribes. The Bakhtiyari community has been divided into two groups. One being the Haft Lang and the other called the Chahar Lang. It is interesting to note that each one of these groups or clans have their own territories. The Haft Lang Clan is composed of four clans named as Durki, Dinarani, Babadi and Behdarvand.This summer residing quarter also encompasses the tribes of other regions such as Bazoft, Doab, Birgan, Tang Gazi, Shoor Ab in Farsan township, Choqakhor, Poshtkooh, Mian Kooh and Dinaran in Brujen township and small portion of Bon village in Shahr-e-Kord township.
The winter residing quarters or (Qeshlagh) is in the vicinity of Eazeh, Masjed Soleiman, Shooshtar, Ramhormoz and Ahvaz townships. The tribes decamp to the summer residing quarters at the end of March and return to their winter residing quarters at late September. The tracks from which Bakhtiyari tribes pass by cross the altitudes of the Zagross Mountains and well saturated rivers which are impervious and extremely difficult to penetrate. These tribal tracks include:
Dezpart tribal Track : This track joins the tribal spots of Brujen and Farsan townships in Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiyari Province, to townships of Eazeh, Ramhormoz, a part of Masjed Soleiman and Ahvaz country side in Khuzestan Province. This track is 200 km from Choqakhor to Eazeh. The main villages in the same track can be named as follows: Choqakhor, Galoogerd, Naqan Dehnoo, Dopelan, Sar Khoon and Shalil in Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiyari Province; and Chat, Dehdez, Shahr-e-Eazeh in Khuzestan province.
Tang Falleh tribal Track: This track joins the summer and winter residing quarters of Dinarani tribes and country side villages of Eazeh, Soosan and Morqa in Khuzestan Province to Dinaran and Doab Samsami in Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiyari Province. There is no possibility for migration of tribes by vehicles.
Kooh Sefid tribal Track: This track is the passage route for tribes of Andika Valali villages in Khuzestan Province to summer residing quarters of Farsan and Brujen townships in Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiyari Province. Kooh Sefid is one of the most famous altitudes of the Zagross Mountains and is considered to be the most impervious and difficult penetrating rocky tracks. There is no possibility for migration of tribes by vehicles in this track.
Hezar Chameh tribal Track: This is the most difficult crossing tribal tracks of the region. Altitudes of Hezar Chameh are also considered to be the most impervious part of this track. Some tribes residing at Andika Lali and country side villages Shooshtar use this track to reach the summer residing quarters of the Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiyari Province.
Taraz tribal Track: this is one of the main tracks for Bakhtiyari tribes. Famous Menar Gorge exists in this track. It connects the tribal regions of Andika, Lali, Masjed Soleiman in Khuzestan Province with tribal villages of Bazoft, Doab, Birgan, Shoorab, Tang Gazi and Farsan in the Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiyari Province.Error processing SSI file

In spite of the geographical situation of Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiyari Province in regard to mountains and altitudes, there is a good network of road ways, specially between the cities therein. Tourist centers in this area offer facilities to visitors, mostly concentrated to the center of province.
Places such as Chelgerd, Imamzadeh Hamzeh Ali and wetlands of Brujen are capable of providing acceptable facilities to visitors.Error processing SSI file