Ilam Province Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Ilam Province استان ایلام
Province
Etymology: The ancient pre-Iranic civilization of Elam
Nickname(s): عروس زاگرس (The Bride of Zagros)
Location of Ilam within Iran
Country	Iran
Region	Region 4
Founded	1974
Capital	Ilam
Counties	List Ilam Eyvan Sirvan Chardavol Malekshahi Badreh Darreh Shahr Mehran Dehloran Abdanan
Government
• Body	Provincial Government
Area
• Province	20,164.11 km² (7,785.41 sq mi)
• Urban	30.13 km² (11.63 sq mi)
Area rank	22nd
	Latest measurement in 2019
Highest elevation (Kan Seifi Peak)	2,775 m (9,104 ft)
Lowest elevation	36 m (118 ft)
Population (2016)
• Province	580,158
• Estimate (2020)	602,000
• Rank	31st (last)
• Density	28.77181/km² (74.51865/sq mi)
• Urban	395,263
• Rural	184,444
Demonym(s)	Ilami , Ilamian (plural)
Time zone	UTC+03:30 (IRST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+04:30 (IRST)
Postal code	69311–69991
Area code(s)	+98 84
Vehicle registration	Iran 98
HDI (2017)	0.815 very high · 8th
Website	Ilam Portal

Ilam Province (Persian: استان ایلام, Kurdish: Parêzgeha Îlamê ,پارێزگای ئیلام) is one of the 31 provinces in Iran. It is located in the western part of the country. The capital city of this province is also called Ilam.

Ilam Province is known for its beautiful natural scenery. It is sometimes called "The Bride of Zagros" because of its stunning landscapes. This area has a long and interesting history, going back to ancient times.

Geography and Landscape
- Rivers and Lakes
- Natural Areas
Wildlife
History of Ilam Province
People and Culture
- Handicrafts
- Traditional Food
Economy and Agriculture
- Natural Resources
Natural Events
Images for kids
See also

Geography and Landscape

Ilam Province is a land of mountains and valleys. It is part of the large Zagros Mountains range. The highest point in the province is Kan Seifi Peak, which is about 2,775 meters (9,104 feet) tall. The lowest point is much closer to sea level, at about 36 meters (118 feet).

Rivers and Lakes

The province has several rivers that flow through its valleys. These rivers are important for farming and for the local wildlife. You can also find interesting natural features like the Siah-Ghav Twin Lakes near Abdanan. These twin lakes are a unique sight.

Natural Areas

Ilam is home to many forests, especially those with Persian oak trees. These forests are important habitats for many animals. There are also protected areas, like the Kabir Kouh Protected Area, which helps keep the local nature safe. The Arghavan Valley near Ilam city is famous for its beautiful purple flowers in spring.

Wildlife

Ilam Province has a variety of animals. The forests and mountains provide homes for different species. One very unique animal found here is the spider-tailed horned viper. This snake has a special tail that looks like a spider, which it uses to hunt.

History of Ilam Province

The name "Ilam" comes from the ancient civilization of Elam. This was a very old civilization that existed thousands of years ago in this region. The province was officially founded in 1974.

Ancient Times

The area of Ilam has been important for a very long time. There are remnants of old cities, like Seymareh city. This ancient city was also known as Madaktu and Mehrjaqazaq. These ruins show us how people lived here in the past.

Later Dynasties

Over the centuries, different groups ruled this land. For example, the Buyids were a powerful group that ruled over western Iran, including parts of Ilam, around the year 970. Later, the area was part of the Lorestan region, ruled by local leaders called Atabegs.

Vali Castle

One important historical building is the Vali Castle in Ilam city. This castle was built in 1798 and stands as a reminder of the province's rich history. It is a popular place to visit.

People and Culture

The people of Ilam Province are known as Ilami or Ilamian. In 2016, about 580,158 people lived here. The main languages spoken are Persian, Kurdish, and Arabic. Some people also speak dialects like Luri and Laki.

Handicrafts

The province is famous for its traditional handicrafts. One popular craft is making Kilims. These are flat woven carpets that are often very colorful and have unique patterns. Making Kilims is an important part of the local culture and economy.

Traditional Food

Ilam also has its own traditional dishes. One example is Tarkhineh, a special kind of soup or stew. Trying local foods is a great way to experience the culture of Ilam.

Economy and Agriculture

The economy of Ilam Province relies on different activities. Agriculture is very important here. Farmers grow various crops and fruits. In 2018, the province produced over 700,000 tons of crops and about 15,000 tons of fruits.

Natural Resources

The province also has natural resources. These resources contribute to the local economy.

Natural Events

Ilam Province, like many places, can experience natural events. There have been floods, such as the one in Ilam city in November 2015 and in Majeen in March 2019. There is also a famous historical event called the Seymareh Landslide in Darreh Shahr County. This was a very large landslide that changed the landscape.

Images for kids

Topographic map of Ilam province indicating mountains and rivers.
Manesht mountain
Siah-Ghav Twin Lakes, near Abdanan
Persian turpentine tree
Persian oak forest in Ilam province
Spider-tailed horned viper
Kabir Kouh Protected Area, near Darreh Shahr
Arghavan valley near Ilam
Seymareh Landslide in Darreh Shahr County
View from Pol-e-Dokhtar in Lorestan to the landslide scarp on the Kabir Kouh range; below is the landslide mass that crossed the river Seymareh, which now represents the border between Ilam and Lorestan
Flood of Nov 2015 city of Ilam.
Flood of Mar 31, 2019 Majeen, Darreh Shahr
The remnants of Seymareh city, also known as Madaktu and Mehrjaqazaq.
Buyids rule over western Iran
Little and Big Lorestan
Vali Castle in Ilam
Kilim, a handicraft popular in Ilam
Tarkhineh, a traditional dish in Ilam
Production of crops and fruits in Ilam Province as of 2018. Crops: 700,732 tons (97.8%) Fruits: 15,409 tons (2.2%)