Covering an area of 19,086 square kilometers, Ilam Province is located in the western Iran. According to the latest divisions of the country in 1996, the cities of the province are Ilam, Mehran, Dehloran, Dareh Shahr, Shirvan-Chardavol, Aivan and Abdanan. Ilam is the capital city of the province. This province is neighboring the Khuzestan Province in the south, Lurestan Province in the east, Kermanshah Province in the north and Iraq in the west with 425 kilometers of

common border. In 1996 the population of the province was 488,000 of which 53.2% were urban dwellers and 44.6% resided in rural areas and the rest were non-residents.
From geological point of view, there are two parallel folds in the northwestern and southeast of the province which belong to the Mesozoic and Cenozoic periods. The northern and northeast parts of the province are mountainous and western and southwestern parts are low lands. The most important heights of Ilam Province are Kabir and Dinar Mounts. There are some small plains in the mountainous areas of the north and northeast of the province like Halilan, Shirvan-Chardavol, Ilam, etc. In southwestern and western parts of the province, there are vast plains with a warm climate like Dehloran and Dasht Abbas which join the Khuzestan Plain in the east.

From climatic point of view, Ilam Province is among the warm regions of the country enjoying a diverse weather so that the signs of three seasons can be seen in different regions of the province simultaneously. The mountainous areas of north and north eastern Ilam are relatively cold with long winters. The plain areas of the west and south west are warm. The central region enjoys a mild climate. Average annual rainfall in the province is 578 mm. According to the records of climatology stations in 1996, absolute maximum temperature has been 38°C in August and its minimum temperature has been 0.4° C in February. Freezing days in winter have been recorded as 27 day.Error processing SSI file

Limited archaeological studies and discoveries indicate that the Gooti tribe has lived there about 4,000 B.C. the Kassi or Kassit tribe has immigrated to this region from Caucasia after the Gooties. The Kassis worshipped Souriash or the Goddess of Sun who had Aryan origin. According to valid historical evidences, present Ilam Province has been a part of the ancient Elam land.
In Ilamit and Babylonian inscriptions, Ilam is called Alamto or Alam which means "mountains" or "the country of sunrise". It has been part of the Achaemenian Empire. Existence of numerous historical vestiges in Lurestan and Ilam provinces belonging to the Sassanid period indicates the specific importance of the region in that time. In the late 4th century A.H., Kurdish tribes governed over the region till the early 6th century A.H. Between 570-1,006 A.H., Atabakan-e-Lor ruled Poshtkooh and Lurestan. Later on, this dynasty transferred their capital to Poshtkooh (present Ilam).
In 1930 A.D., in the division of the country, Ilam became a part of Kermanshah Province. Then, being a border region and due to important political situation, it was changed into a province and now it is one of the important provinces of the country. Totally, Ilam is a tribal province but in recent years the tribal relations, especially the decampment of tribes, have changed it drastically.Error processing SSI file

Located in the south of Ilam Province, Abdanan is 876 Kilometers from Tehran enjoying a mild mountainous climate. This area has abundant mines including oil, sulfur and alum. Due to plenty of water resources, there are rich forests, pastures and fertile lands. The vestiges of an ancient civilization are scattered all around the region including the ruins of historical cities like Goorgabran and Krodit. This township holds many promenades worth seeing.Error processing SSI file

Located in the north of Ilam Province this township is 761 kilometers from Tehran enjoying a mild mountainous climate. It is a new township of the province with high agriculture potentials and eye-catching natural beauties. There are considerable historical monuments.Error processing SSI file

Dareh Shahr is located in southeastern Ilam 840 kilometers from Tehran enjoying a mild climate. It is situated in a relatively wide valley with many historical ascent and descents. Attacks of Arabs and Assyrians caused destruction of the city. Its forgotten and extinct fire-temple is still standing. Dareh Shahr may be the same city of Madakto the Ilamit capital. In the ancient time Ilamits were the governor of Lurestan mountains and constructed several strong buildings. Dareh Shahr was the first Ilamit city attacked and destroyed by Assyrians in addition to the massacre of people. There are in Simareh Valley the remains of the Sassanid monuments; hence Dareh Shahr might have been a thriving city in the Sassanid and the Parthian periods.
In the ruins of Dareh Shahr, belonging to the Sassanid era, there are the vestiges of crosses, alleys and passages with a specific order of urban development criteria of that time. All the buildings of Dareh Shahr are constructed from abraded rubble stones and gypsum. Abundance of gypsum in Seimareh Valley from one hand, and simplicity of working with it have caused to making the best use of this material in the Sassanid architecture. The coins discovered in this area belong to Khosrow III and his successors. Holding vast fertile lands, different and rich water resources, rich pastures, dense forests, Dareh Shahr is one of important and ancient cities of Ilam Province.Error processing SSI file

Dehloran is located in the south of Ilam Province 910 kilometers from Tehran enjoying an arid and semi-arid climate. It is situated on the southern slope of Dinarkooh. In past, it was known as "the village of Lures". The remains of historical monuments and discovered vestiges indicate that the antiquity of the region dates back to the pre-historic and Sassanid periods. Dehloran has not developed due to water shortage. The city was severely damaged in the imposed Iraq war. But now it is reconstructed and is paid due attention. This area is known for its oil fields with a long history of exploitation.Error processing SSI file

Located 710 kilometers from Tehran, the city of Ilam is surrounded by heights covered with forests enjoying a mild mountainous climate with very pleasant springs. In the ancient time, Ilam was known as Arboojan. Then, Ilam was known as Hussein Abad till 1929, when it was reconstructed. Hussein Qoli Khan, the most powerful governor of Poshtkooh, constructed numerous different buildings in the city that was his and successors summer resident. Regarding its historical background, in 1946 it was named Ilam by the approval of Iranian Academy. Presently, Ilam is the capital of the province and has developed considerably in recent years. Ilam is a very important city from the tourism point of view due to several natural, historical and cultural monuments.Error processing SSI file

Located in the south of Ilam Province, Mehran is at a distance of 791 kilometers from Tehran. Mehran has an arid and semi-arid climate. It is situated on the banks of Konjan Cham River close to the Iraq border. In the past Mehran was known as Mansour Abad but in 1930 it was named Mehran by the approval of Iranian Academy. In recent years Mehran was paid due attention and has developed. This city was occupied and severely damaged during imposed Iraq war and was reconstructed after the war.Error processing SSI file

This township is located in the northeast of Ilam 737 kilometers from Tehran enjoying a mild mountainous climate and it is one of historical places of Ilam Province. The old Shirvan was a city in the north of Seimareh of which many monuments are there. Among the ruins of the city there are many vestiges belonging to the Sassanid time. The ruins of Shirvan are the most perfect remains of a Sassanid city including strong houses with high walls made of stone. There is a huge building in the city known as Qasr-e-Anoushirvan (the palace of Anoushirvan). In 1983, according to the latest divisions of the country, it was changed to a township beginning its development.Error processing SSI file

This palace, with engraved portal and columns, belonged to the Qajar period and is constructed amongst a beautiful and vast garden.Error processing SSI file

This castle is located on Mount Qolaqiran overlooking the beautiful forests of Sheshdar (Sheshdan). Its appearance and position of the summit above it have created special beauty.Error processing SSI file

This Sassanid castle is constructed on the Sam Mount having two towers. The security chambers are built in the heart of rocks. There is also the remains of a fire-temple, which seems to have been changed to a mosque after the dominance of the Arabs. There are several old oriental plane trees around the castle, some of them are 500 years old, some springs with refreshing water and the roots of aloes-wood, which were used in ceremonies are also present.Error processing SSI file

The Shayakh Castle (or the ancient city of Shayakh) is located on a hill between two rivers in a valley. It belongs to the Sassanid period and the ruins of its towers, food storage and commanders' rooms can be seen.Error processing SSI file

Located 6 kilometers southeast of Dareh Shahr, the ruins of this fort can be seen in the entrance of the village with the same name with 150 years of antiquity. Construction materials indicate that it belongs to the Qajar period. The walls of the fort are delicately made of stone and gypsum. There is also the remains of a water mill.Error processing SSI file

This castle is located on the Choqa Mirag hill in the city of Ilam. This castle is built about 100 years ago in the Qajar period and its area is 2,500 square meters. The construction materials are of brick, gypsum and marble. This castle is renovated by The Cultural Heritage Organization.Error processing SSI file

Other castles of the province are: Amir Abad, Vali winter castle in Mehran, the historical castle of Hezarkhani Village in Abdanan belonging to the Sassanid era, Paqefleh and Korekcha Castle in Saleh Abad, the Sassanid Castle of Anjir in Zarrin Abad, the ruins of Sassanid castles in the Kalm Village in Dareh Shahr, historical vestiges of Posht Qal'eh in Abdanan and many historical monuments belonging to the Parthian and Sassanid periods.Error processing SSI file

This inscription is carved on the wall of a mountain in Gol Gol Village 25 kilometers from Ilam. It is 3000 years old and on the inscription there is engrave of an Assyrian soldier with a helmet, holding an arrow, whit a moon and a star above his head. In the lower part of this inscription, there are some sentences in cuneiform script.Error processing SSI file

There is in Gorab Gorge a horseshoe-shaped mass of rubble stones with a flagstone within it. There is a symbol of a horseshoe on the flagstone that is believed to be the sign of the horse belonging to one of the Imams of Shiite sect.Error processing SSI file

This inscription is carved on a large stone in a place with the same name 34 kilometers far from Ilam. There is some information about the history and the governors of Ilam in this inscription.Error processing SSI file

This inscription is in Vali Castle in the city of Ilam. Its date of Construction and the name of its architect are mentioned in the inscription.Error processing SSI file

Other inscriptions of the province are Tang Quchali Inscription and Zarrin Abad Inscription in the main square of the city of Mimeh.Error processing SSI file

There is a fire-temple in the city of Dareh Shahr which is a four-arched building which is locally called Taaq. Originally the building was constructed by rubble stone and gypsum, and has recently been repaired.Error processing SSI file

In the heights of the Pishmin Malekshahi Mountain in Mehran there are the remains of two towers and a fire-temple of the Sassanid period. The area of the fire-temple is 27 square meters and 5 meters high. Having four entrances, it is located in a vast olive garden with a spring and an eye-catching landscape.Error processing SSI file

Other fire-temples of the province are: Sikan Fire Temple (four-arched) in Sikan Village, Mehdi Abad Fire Temple (four-arched) in Mehdi Abad, Dareh Shahr, Sepa Fire Temple in Zarneh, Aivan, Maymeh Fire Temple in Zarrin Abad, a Two-storey Fire Temple in Chardavol region totally relative to the Sassanid period.Error processing SSI file

The remains of the Sassanid city of Dareh Shahr is situated between new Dareh Shahr and the Bahman Abad Village. Presently, some vestiges of arches, ceilings, dome-shaped ceilings as well as indications of passages, alleys and urban connection network are visible in the texture of the ruins.Error processing SSI file

These large and small hills are located in Halilan Village northeast of the city. There are in eastern part of the large hill, vestiges of broken engraved jugs and carved stones with more than 3 thousand years of antiquity. There is a large graveyard in the north of this hill in which different types of graves and earthenware objects have been discovered. In this graveyard there are more women’s graves, within which are various ornaments like bracelets, belts and necklace with granular glasses and thick copper rings have been discovered.Error processing SSI file

It is about 5.5 kilometers from Tikhan Hill, and is larger and older than it. Its antiquity dates back to the late 3rd millennium B.C., but its first floor relates to the Sassanid period. Some colored and engraved earthenware objects have been discovered in the basement of the building. Certain parts of lower floors had been allocated as a graveyard. The upper graves belong to the Zoroastrian period. It is said that this place was a pottery making vicinity so to speak.Error processing SSI file

This ancient city is located in the Majeen Gorge and some vestiges of walls of the old city, buildings of the old city, palaces, and bazaars have been remained. Evidences such as appearance of buildings, materials used and scattered earthenware objects around it, reveal that it could probably be a Sassanid city. A long canal has been excavated in the gorge which extends from the second waterfall to the city.Error processing SSI file

The ruins of this city are located in the banks of Cham Zangi River close to Bardi village. According to archaeological studies, its antiquity dates back to the pre-historic period. There are several historical vestiges including Sheyakh Castle.Error processing SSI file

It is located among the agricultural lands in Jamshid Abad Village north east of Dareh Shahr. Some flint blades and carved stones have been discovered there as well.Error processing SSI file

This hill is located close to the Kashkan River 20 kilometers northwest of Ilam. Archaeologists have excavated a vertical hole in it and discovered several graves some of which have been covered with rubble stones irregularly. Big rubble stones had been used for the ceiling of the graves. Discovered vestiges in this hill are ferrous and admiralty metal objects. The antiquity of these objects dates back to 7th and 8th centuries B.C.Error processing SSI file

Other ancient cities and archaeological hills of the province are: Masbandan historical city in Sarabkalan village in Shirvan-Chardavol, Mehrjandoq city in Dareh Shahr, Alikosh hill in Musian, Sargachleh hill in Dareh Shahr, Kalak Musivand hill in Abadsigan plain, Qal'eh Zaynal in Cham Kalan, Qalehgol hill in Dareh Shahr, Deshkeleh hill (registered) in Jahan Abad village, Qal'eh Sekehsun hill in southwest of Dareh Shahr, Pamil hill in Dareh Shahr, Choqa Sabz hill in Khleseh, Farhad and Sikan hills in Dehloran, Musian hill in Dehloran, Mohammad Ja'far hill in Musian, and Ali Abad hill in the vicinity of the Mimeh River.Error processing SSI file

This Sassanid bridge has been constructed in the confluence of the Seimareh and Kashkan Rivers. Although it has been repaired several times during the past, it is almost in a ruined state now.Error processing SSI file

This bridge of 18 arches has been constructed on the Seimareh River 4 kilometers north of Dareh Shahr opposite the Chamkalan Village. The antiquity of this bridge dates back to the Sassanid period, but it was used till later centuries. The bridge is directly connected to the remains of the Sassanid monuments in Dareh Shahr.Error processing SSI file

This Sassanid bridge located in the Chashmbur Village and registered by The Cultural Heritage Organization.Error processing SSI file

Located in the south of Dareh Shahr in the beginning of a gorge with the same name on the outskirts of Kabir Kooh, this 3 arches bridge of has been recently repaired. Each of its arches is placed at an interval distance of 5.5 meters from each other.Error processing SSI file

Located in the Chenarbash region of Ilam, this historical graveyard belongs to the 1st millennium B.C. Some graves have been discovered there, where the dead were buried in small and large earthenware jars with their belongings according to their traditions.Error processing SSI file

This graveyard is located 30 kilometers southeast of Ilam on the outskirts of Shah Nakhjir Mountain one of the extensions of Kabir Kooh. Archaeological studies indicate that the discovered vestiges belong to 2500-2600 B.C. and 4600-4500 B.C.Error processing SSI file

This graveyard is located in the historical area of Halilan. There are several graves in this area which have been illegally excavated and vestiges stolen.Error processing SSI file

Historical qanats or subterranean canals are scattered all around the province. The existence of these qanats is indicative of special water supply systems in the past. Although these qanatas have lost their main function during the last centuries and some of them have been destroyed, but presently they are accounted as old monuments of the province which are worth seeing. These old qanats are: Koorgeh and Jenar, Bibi, in the city of Ilam, Azluvar in the Ilam - Chalsera Road, Sarawatash, Falahati, Namdanan, Bilvar, Qamesh, Kalag, Galan, Vali Abad, Aseman Abad, Sarab Eyvan, and Amir Abad.Error processing SSI file

There are the remains of several water mills all over the province some of which are being operated now. The most important historical mills are Qoba, Kazem Bege Tanour, Kolai, Chegavazneh, and several other mills.Error processing SSI file

On the outskirts of Anar Kooh in northern Ilam, there are some large stones naturally resting on each other. Local people believe that these stones are Shotor Saleh (Saleh camel) that has brought provisions for people during draught in ancient times. In order to prevent the attack of brigands, they have changed to stone by the order of God. It is therefore a place of pilgrimage and people take the ill there for treatment.Error processing SSI file

The people of the present Province of Ilam were nomads with tribal decamping life style thus no city in true sense has arisen. Therefore, most of the Jame' Mosques of the province have been constructed in recent century. Vali Mosque of Ilam may be considered as one of the oldest in the province with 90 years of antiquity. It was constructed by the order of Ilam Vali (Governor) and is named after him.Error processing SSI file

In recent years, some of the most important mosques of this province have been renovated. Among the most important mosques of the province these can be pointed out:
Ilam Jame' Mosque adjacent to the Ilam Koodak Park, Mehran Jame' mosque in Janbazan Boulevard, Qamar Bani Hashem Mosque in Imamzadeh Seyed Hassan Boulevard, Saheb-ol-Zaman Mosque (place of pilgrimage) in Ilam, Saleh Abad Jame' Mosque, Aivan Jame' Mosque and Dehloran Jame' Mosque.Error processing SSI file

Baba Seifedin Mausoleum in located in the north east of Dareh Shahr in the outskirts of a hill known as Chahar Taq. There are two tombs in the mausoleum without any description on the tombstones. There is a small inscription on the top of the entrance door which indicates the date of its repair. The materials of the building are stone, gypsum and brick. There are several trees around the mausoleum which are hundreds of years old.Error processing SSI file

Imamzadeh Ali Saleh (P.B.U.H.) was a coeval of Imam Mussa Kazem (P.B.U.H.) and was martyred in Saleh Abad. In the Mongol period, a small memorial building was constructed there, which was reconstructed again in the Qajar period, and was completely renovated after the Islamic revolution. The tombs of the martyrs of Iraq imposed war are close to it.Error processing SSI file

This Imamzadeh is located in Majeen Graveyard around Dareh Shahr. This quadrangular and two storey building has a pyramid shaped dome. The main tomb is located in the first floor which is totally made up of brick with a herringbone arch. In the second floor, there is a tomb covered with stone, gypsum and earthenware. Its antiquity dates back to the 8th century A.H. and needs some repair. Interior plaster works of the Imamzadeh are unique and counted as worthy vestiges of this period.Error processing SSI file

Imamzadeh Seyed Ebrahim (P.B.U.H.) is one of the grandsons of Imam Baqer (P.B.U.H.) located 7 kilometers far from Zarrin Abad. The same belongs to the Saljuqii period and is geometrically designed in a special form. There is his sister's tomb (Bibi Zaynab) which is a place of pilgrimage close to this Imamzadeh. Its old dome was redecorated with brick in 1994.Error processing SSI file

This Imamzadeh, which is locally known as Peer Mohammad, is located in Gonbad Village. The said is the son of Imam Musa Kazem (P.B.U.H.) and the brother of Imam Reza (P.B.U.H.) and is one of the important places of pilgrimage of the province.Error processing SSI file

The same resembles the Shrine of Daniel the Prophet in Susa with a northern entrance. It is 15 m. long and 9 m. wide with 8 pillars. There is an adytum in its southern wall which is 180 cm. high. At the lower part there is an inscription with plaster work and adorned with floral design and sacred verses. This mausoleum is one of the important places of pilgrimage in Dareh Shahr.Error processing SSI file

Other Imamzadehs of the province are: Seyed Akbar 10 kilometers far from Dehloran, Seyed Hassan on the Mehran - Dehloran Road, Seyed Ebrahim Qatal Pilgrimage site on the border road of Mehran, Abbas Pilgrimage in Dehloran, Seyed Fakhredin Pilgrimage site close to Abtaf Waterfall, Jaber Ansari Pilgrimage site in Dareh Shahr, Seyed Salaheddin Mohammad in Abdanan, Abbas Pilgrimage site in Shirvan-Chardavol, Baqer Pilgrimage site in upper Shirvan and Chardavol, Seyed Abdollah Pilgrimage place near Sarab Aivan, Haji Hazer Pilgrimage place in Aivan and Madar Zoleykha Pilgrimage in Dareh Shahr.Error processing SSI file

This lake is located 8 kilometers from Sarab Baq in Abdanan. It is surrounded by plains and not very high mountains. It has beautiful landscape in spring and autumn which is worth seeing.Error processing SSI file

This river originates from springs and watersheds around Aseman village 35 kilometers of northwestern Ilam. It flows among the Qalajeh and Kotehpifak Mountains towards the southeast of the province. After irrigating many villages, it enters the southern valley of Kooh Piran and after joining the Chenarach River, the Chardavol River is formed. It is 50 kilometers long with verdant and beautiful banks.Error processing SSI file

This river is formed after the confluence of Tang Khashoul and Tang Korto rivers 53 kilometers east of Mehran and flows southward. It enters Iraq 80 kilometers northwest of Dehloran and finally joins the Tigris River.Error processing SSI file

Konjan Cham River originates from the outskirts of surrounding heights and after joining with other streams enters to Mehran through a narrow valley and finally flows to Iraq. It is 90 kilometers long in Iran.Error processing SSI file

This river, which is also called, Galan Peer Mohammad, is formed by the joining of Kalkola and Palshak Ab Rivers 41 kilometers far from Mehran. It flows through several highlands and forms a high waterfall. Then, it joins the Gozah River in the Peer Mohammad Village that tends to the formation of Gari River. This river is 6 kilometers long and is 1,000 meters above sea level.

This long and large river, which is called Karkheh in the lower part, flows through the eastern margin of the province. Its main streams are Gamasiab, Qara Sou, Chenareh, Kashkan and another stream that originates from Kamyaran and Mahidash heights.Error processing SSI file

It originates from springs of surrounding highlands and finally flows to Iraq 61 kilometers from Ilam. The length of this river in Iran is 43 kilometers.Error processing SSI file

Other rivers of the province are: Sourak, Shirvan, Kazab, Kalal Rood, Hezar Khani, Guilan Gourkeh, Chiqa Chelam, Abaftab, Abchika, Abzangavan, Tang-Grav, Jazman Rood, Chardavol, Chovar, Khosh and Sedeh in Ilam; Abdanan, Abdareh Chekeh, Absarkadeh, Abmurmury, Qara Tappeh, Galal Chineh, Nasrian, Abtakhtan, Abchalat, Absivel, Abfath, Hazoozan, Fossil, Dowirij, Malhazeri, Varazan, Gouran, etc. in Dehloran; Abregzah, Palashkab, Abkonat, Abtimeh, Tashmourt, Talkhab, Tangkhashoul, Kalkola, Goldar Khosh, Siyahab, etc. in Mehran.Error processing SSI file

This narrow and high valley is one of the most important and strategic points of the region, located in the western side of the Dareh Shahr - Pol-e-Dokhtar Road. This gorge, which is also called the Bahram Hunting Field, contains several historical monuments in its entrance and on the hard rocks like the ruins of a Sassanid castle which is built of stone and gypsum with stone stairs and four connected water reservoirs which are worth seeing.Error processing SSI file

Located 22 kilometers southeast of Ilam, this mountain is 2,578 meters high. The Chardavol and Korab Rivers originate in this area. This mountain extends from the southeast to Sivan and from northwest to Qolarank Mountain which is one of the summits of Kabir Kooh.Error processing SSI file

Dinar Kooh is 1,955 meters high, and is located 25 kilometers north of Dehloran. It is curved from north to south and then extends to the northwest encompassing the Abdanan region in the eastern foothills. Several rivers originate from this mountain.Error processing SSI file

This mountain range is a part of the Zagross Mountain Range. It extends from Mehran to Khoram Abad in Lurestan Province). Its summit is 2,790 meters high. Many rivers originate from this mountain range.Error processing SSI file

There are many crevices and caves one of them is known as the Kulkani Cave. The entrance of the cave is 30 meters long and there is a small pond built of stone and Sarouj (plaster of lime and ashes or sands). In addition, there are 12 other caves similar to the dwellings of pre-historic man. Some vestiges like earthenware pieces and other objects belonging to the mid 1st millennium B.C. have been discovered in this cave.Error processing SSI file

It is located 6 kilometers northeast of Ilam with an altitude of 2,629 meters. The Moort and Asazengan Rivers originate from this mountain. Its southern foothills are covered with oak forests.Error processing SSI file

It is located 41 kilometers northwest of Ilam with a summit of 2,050 meters high. The Abchika and Abaseman Rivers originate from its outskirts in the north and south. Some parts of this mountain are covered with oak forest.Error processing SSI file

Located 11 kilometers north of Ilam, this mountain is 2,473 meters high. The Abaftab and Abzanguan Rivers originate from it. It joins the Manasht Kooh in the west and the Chamangir Kooh in the southeast and is a part of the Kabir Mountain Range.Error processing SSI file

Other heights and mountains of the province are: Allah Khoda, Bayeh, Talvar, Jamalgir, Chopoq Babakhan, Chakbureh, Sefid, Somkhar, Kotehpifak, Maladshadeh, Geno, Sameleh, Ahooran, Bankool, Sorkh Khani, Sarkab, Shohreh Rool, Shalam, Malikheh, etc. in Ilam; Bonhar, Darvand, Ravandi, Sargach, Marzoo, Haft Kolak etc. in Dareh Shahr; Belijan, Choqal Zard, Siyah Kooh, Zalooab, Chanjer, Sorkh, Sekoorand, Siyah, Kalak, Siyah Ardalan, Yekshabeh, etc. in Mehran; Barikehab, Barak Kroy, Botehanesh, Poshteh Golab, Alikesht, Khargahi, Dalperi, Kalavandi, Kolonarmeh, Gutebeh, Mamaleh, etc. in Dehloran.Error processing SSI file

This beautiful and charming forest park is one of the main recreational areas of the people. Its area is 4,000 Kilometers, and there are different species of trees and rare birds like bittern.Error processing SSI file

This winter promenade enjoys a suitable climate and receives many tourists during December and April. It is located 60 kilometers from Ilam in the vicinity of Dashtelag a beautiful plain.Error processing SSI file

This verdant valley with plenty of water resources is located 30 kilometers from Ilam and extends to the Toolab Heights. Walnut trees, orchards, springs and being close to the Gawez Forest Park and other promenades have doubled its recreational importance.Error processing SSI file

This promenade, as one of the most famous recreational areas of the province, is 5 kilometers from Ilam close to the Qalaqiran Mountain. Due to its being close to Ilam it annually receives many tourists especially in spring and autumn. Springs and beautiful gardens of Sultan Abad also surround it.Error processing SSI file

This park is at a distance of 25 kilometers from Ilam on the way to Islam Abad with a natural environment. It is very vast and close to the game fields of the region and is mostly used by the people in spring and summer.Error processing SSI file

Other forest promenades of the province are: Melle Panjaw, Haji Bakhtiar and Abza, Manjel, Tang Arqavan, Kelambadreh and Tajrian around Ilam; Kenar Semehran and Konjan Cham in Mehran; beautiful landscapes of Tang Qir in Shirvan-Chardavol; natural landscapes of Kabir Kooh and the banks of the Seimareh River in Dareh Shahr; natural landscapes of Anaran Kooh and Sohrab in Abdanan; Khoran in Aivan; and the historical plane tree in the Takhtan Village.Error processing SSI file

Ilam Province is one the important wildlife habitats of western Iran. There live different species of wildlife like partridge, dull-yellow partridge, bustard, pigeon, heron, goose, crane, duck, owl, eagle, falcon, and starling. Migratory birds come to these habitats of the province for spending their winter, nesting and breeding specially the geese and swallow. Other important wildlife of the province are leopard, hyena, bear, wild sheep, rabbit, porcupine, squirrel, weasel, gazelle, wild goat, bore, jackal, fox, wolf etc. The important game fields and hunting areas of the province are as follows:
Ilam hunting fields which include: mountains of Matasht, Shareh Zull, Qolarak, Sivan, Siyah Kooh, Buli Shalam, Bankul, Qalandar, Gachan, Sivan Badreh, Anarag Buli, Allah Khoda, Zamzaman, Shalian and Kavran.
Mehran hunting fields which include: Kooh Ganji Veiss, Darband Kooh, Tang Shourshirin, Bajak, Nasrian, Bisheh Deraz, Bansarve, Vizhedarvand, Kooh Nakhjir, Poshteh Shouhan, Banrahman, Galan etc.
Dehloran hunting fields which includ: Qeel, Anaran, Kooh Hoor, Dinar Kooh, Bayat and Musian.
Shirvan-Chardavol hunting fields which include: Kooh Sefid Qalajeh, Sivan Badreh Heights, Zanjir Heights and Saroben Gorge.
Dareh Shahr hunting fields which include: Zarangoosh, Sheikh Makan, Tang Bahram Chubineh, Gawmishan, Filman, Poshteh Mahtabi, Mazhyn and Kabir Kooh.
Some of the important areas of the province are protected by the Department of the Environment as wildlife refuge, these are: Masht, Seshkalan (Reno), Sharehzul, Qalandar, Gachan and Bankesol.Error processing SSI file

This cave is located in upper the parts of Kaleh Joo Village among west walls of the Bankool Mountain. Its entrance is difficult to pass but it holds several hall, vestibules, corridors, stalactites and stalagmites. The calcareous ceiling of the cave due to humidity and heat causes chemical reactions and thereby the separation and disintegration of some parts creating a noise like an explosion as it is called. There may be a huge water reservoir in the deeper layers.Error processing SSI file

This cave is located 3 kilometers northeast of Dehloran on the outskirts of a mountain overlooking the valley and thermal springs of Dehloran. It is the habitat of thousands of tailed and large bats so it is called Bat Cave. It is one of the ancient caves and dates back to the Troglodyte period that changed to the habitat of bats later on. The huge and thick mass of the residues of bats on the floor of the cave has been created during thousands of years and farmers use it as a fertilizer. The Khofash Cave has been registered as national monument so it is a protected cave.Error processing SSI file

This magnificent cave is located 35 kilometers from Ilam in Sivan heights on the road to Dareh Shahr. There are hundreds of columns, several vestibules, halls, wells and a wonderful aggregate of stalactites and stalagmites. It is very cold inside the cave and there is no evidence of life. Some of the halls are 12 meters high with pleasant air currents. There is a pond in the cave.Error processing SSI file

This wonderful cave is located 52 kilometers from Mehran in the southeast of Saleh Abad. It is an open cave with several vestibules, halls, stalactites, stalagmites and plenty of water. Temperature difference inside and outside the cave is very high so it is called Paradise cave as well. There exist several species of flora with an amazing environment. This cave is one of the important tourist attractions of the province.Error processing SSI file

Other caves of the province are: Qolapikeh (Qal'eh Pukeh) on Mehran - Dehloran Road, Malek and Kabutarlan in Akrehbid village, Tayageh and Telesm in Aivan.Error processing SSI file

There are eight archaeological hills belonging to different historical periods, some of which have been officially registered by The Cultural Heritage Organization.Error processing SSI file

Mooshkan village, located in the central part of Shirvan-Chardavol Township between the mountains, enjoys a dry and moderate climate. The Chardavol River passes close to it. The Khormeh and Lineh Mountains surround the village. The Qasem pilgrimage site and the Sassanid castle are among historical and religious attractions of the province.Error processing SSI file

Located 18 kilometers northwest of Ilam between the Piran and Khorheh Mountains, this village enjoys a moderate and semi-humid climate. The Chardavol River that originates from Kabir Kooh, flows inside the village and joins the Seimareh River. The most important historical monument of the village is Taq Bostan that belongs to the Achaemenian period.Error processing SSI file

Enjoying a mild and dry weather, the village is located in a region with hills and high grounds and the Gangir River flows to its south. Mountains surrounding the village, an old mosque, and a Sassanid fire-temple exist there.Error processing SSI file

Enjoying a mild and dry climate, this village is located in the central part of the Shirvan-Chardavol Township. The Chenaraj River flows in the east of the village. The presence of mountains, rivers, Mansouri Gorge, lush vegetation, medicinal herbs and wildlife attracts the attention of every tourist.Error processing SSI file

This old village holds several historical monuments. Places of pilgrimage like Seyed Naseredin, Seyed Akbar, Seyed Ebrahim and Seyed Fakhredin; The Shakh Castles and its four towers as well as the Zanjir (Anjir) Castle in front of it, are totally very attractive.Error processing SSI file

The musicians of the province use several kinds of local musical instruments. Some of these instruments are double tone, unlike other Iranian instruments which are monotone, and can be played in harmony with other instruments. These musical instruments are used in wedding ceremonies, war and mourning rituals. Choobi is a local dance which is performed individually or collectively. In addition to the artistic aspect, in the past, the local music was used for fighting and sport readiness. The local music is rich and diverse in melodies and rhythms and commonly used by Kurds and Lors. The music which is used in mourning ceremonies is another kind of local music. The people of Ilam especially nomads have a special skill in composing local songs.Error processing SSI file

There are suitable network of roads, communication services, hospitals, and health centers in most cities of the Province of Ilam which are easily accessible. Most of the cities have suitable and diverse accommodation facilities. The people of this province are well acquainted with tourism.Error processing SSI file