Ilam/ Poshtkuh/ The bride of Zagros 

Ilam is one of the western cities of Iran which is the third largest Kurdish city after Kermanshah and Sanandaj. Ilam is tilted as “ the bride of Zagros” since it is an ever green city and it has very beautiful landscapes. In ancient era the city was known as “Ariojan”. But in 1929 the current Ilam city was rebuilt in Hosseinabad region. Ilam has moderate climate due to its location between the mountains. Since three centuries ago independent governors had ruled in Ilam and Poshtkuh.

The governor’s center of government didn’t have a stable place, so nomads of that region moved to Iraq’s Baghe Shahi and Mesopotamia ‘s Hosseiniyeh in winter, and in summer they moved to Holeylan district and Hosseinabad (current Ilam). The last governor of the region was defeated by Reza Shah in 1930. After that the name of the region had been changed from “ Hosseinabad” into “ Ilam”. Nowadays Ilam is the official,political capital of Ilam province. Ilam is a very beautiful city with a lot of natural, historical and tourist attractions.

Where to stay in Ilam?

There are many hotels at different prices in Ilam. The most popular hotel of the city is Zagros that is located beside Chagha Sabz forest park. Dalahoo hotel in Ferdosi street and Karbala hotel in Shahid Abdollahpour street are also good choices. But if you prefer to stay at less expensive hotel, we recommend Khalash hotel in Ayatollah Heydari street to you.

What to eat? Where to eat?

Ilam has different local foods that each of them is cooked in a special season. For example Kashkineh , Tarkhineh and Shole Amiri are cooked in winter and used to treat cold. The city has other local food such as: Rice and meat, Dandeh Polo, Babayari, Abgoosht, Okra, Lenti soup, scrambled eggs, Chickpea soup, meat, Bean and rice, Tomato soup,Halva, Kashk and Doogh, Mung bean soup, Jojeh, and Sholeh. Targ, Spea Thistle, Pichag, Bolehvoleh and Paghazeh are the local vegetables of Ilam that are harvested in spring and used in winter. There are good restaurants in the city that you can go like Pedare Khoob Fast Food, Sib Fast Food, Padideh, Toranj and Khalash Traditional restaurants.

Beverages ( Soft Drinks) 

There is only one cafe in Ilam which name is “Kama”.

What do we buy from Ilam?

Unfortunately the souvenirs of Ilam are not commonly known even in Iran. The most important souvenirs and handicrafts of Ilam are silk and fluffy carpets and Kilim. The patterns of the carpets are inspired by the nature, history and culture of the region.Ilam has other handicrafts like Jajim, Felt, Giveh, Frinji, Bead, and carved woods. The city also had delicious souvenirs such as different kinds of pastry like Bezhi Barsagh, Kaleh konji, Kaak, and Begol Halva, Kashk, mountain honey, natural gum and different kinds of local bread. If you want to go shopping in Ilam, you can go Razan and Aftab malls.

Where to go and visit in Ilam?

Ilam is full of attractive places that attract many tourists. We introduce some of them to you: Ghiran Castle which is a beautiful historical castle related to the Parthian Empire, Madakto city that is a 1400-year-old historical city, Bahram Chobin Defile which is an ancient defile and it was the hiding place of Bahram Chobin ( Bahram VI), Arghavan Defile, Takht Khan Inscription related to the last governor of Poshtkuh, Vali Castle, Falahati Palace, Ilam Dam Lake, Manesht Mountain, and Chamav waterfall.