Ilam province facts for kids

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  Quick facts for kids Ilam province

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Ilam Province
Province
Landscape of the province
Location of Ilam province in Iran
Country	Iran
Region	Region 4
Founded	1974
Capital	Ilam
Counties	List 12
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
Time zone	UTC+03:30 (IRST)
Postal code	69311–69991
Area code(s)	+98 84
Vehicle registration	Iran 98
Main language(s)	Persian (official) local languages: Kurdish Luri Arabic
HDI (2017)	0.815 very high · 8th
Website	Ilam Portal

Ilam Province (Persian: استان ایلام; Kurdish: پارێزگای ئیلام, romanized: Parêzgeha Îlam) is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. It is located in the western part of the country. Ilam is part of Region 4 of Iran.

The province covers about 20,164.11 km<sup>2</sup> (7,785.41 sq mi). It shares a long border of 425 km (264 mi) with Iraq. Ilam also borders the provinces of Kermanshah, Lorestan, and Khuzestan. The biggest city and capital of the province is Ilam.

In 2016, the population of Ilam province was 580,158 people. This makes it the least populated province in Iran.

The Name of Ilam

Ilam got its name from an ancient civilization called "Elam." This civilization lived in what is now southwest Iran for thousands of years. They were around from 2700 to 539 BC.

For a long time, the area was known as 'Poshtkouh'. It was part of a larger region called Lorestan. In 1929, the village of 'Hossein-Abad' was renamed 'Ilam'. This was done to remember the greatness of the ancient Elam civilization. In 1937, Ilam officially became a town.

People and Languages

Ilam Province has many different languages spoken, even though it has the smallest population in Iran. This is because of its location. It sits where Kurdish and Southwestern Iranian languages meet.

The main language spoken is Kurdish. Different Kurdish dialects like Kalhori and Elami are common. Kurdish is spoken in cities like Ilam, Mehran, and Eyvan.

Luri is spoken in the southern parts of the province. It is the main language in places like Murmuri. The city of Darreh Shahr has mostly Luri speakers.

Arabic is spoken in smaller towns close to the border with Khuzestan Province.

Religion in Ilam

As of 2011, almost all people in Ilam (99.62%) are Muslim.

Kurdish Tribes

The northern part of Ilam is mostly home to Kurdish tribes. These include the Kalhuri and Feyli tribes. Some Feyli tribes are the Malekshahi and Khezel.

Geography of Ilam

Topographic map of Ilam province showing mountains and rivers.

Ilam province is the 22nd largest province in Iran. It is in the southwest of the country. It is part of the central Zagros range.

Ilam has two main natural areas. The northern and eastern parts are mountainous. The southwest has low plains that stretch to Iraq and Khuzestan.

The mountains in the north and east run parallel to each other. They are separated by plains and rolling hills. These areas are used for farming.

The most important mountain in Ilam is Kabir Kouh. It is in the eastern part of the province. The highest point in Ilam, Kan Seifi peak, is part of Kabir Kouh. It is 2,775 m (9,104 ft) high.

Other major mountains include:

• Manesht and Qolarang near Ilam.
• Sharah-Zoul and Bankoul in Eywan.
• Dinar Kouh, in Abdanan.

Manesht mountain

The southern and southwestern parts of the province have low plains. Their elevation is between 50 and 300 m (160 and 980 ft). Even with little rain, these areas are farmed. This is thanks to rivers, dams, and irrigation systems.

The Ghamasiab river flows through Ilam. It joins with the Kashkan river to form the Karkheh river. The Karkheh is the third longest river in Iran. It is about 755 km long.

Most rivers and streams in Ilam flow either into the Seymareh or westward into Iraq and Khuzestan.

There are not many natural lakes in Ilam. However, there are four important dams. These dams provide drinking water. They include Ilam, Seymareh, Eywan and Doiraj dams.

Plants and Animals

Persian turpentine tree

Persian oak forest in Ilam province

Ilam has many forests, mostly of Persian oak trees. About 31% of the province is covered with forests. This makes Ilam rank third in Iran for forest cover.

These forests and highlands are home to many animals. You can find the Asian black bear, Caracal, and Persian leopard. Ilam is also the only place in the world where the endangered Spider-tailed horned viper lives.

Other trees in the forests include wild almond and hawthorn. The Arghavan Canyon near Ilam is famous for its pink Judas-trees that bloom in spring.

Spider-tailed horned viper

Ilam province has 32 types of mammals and 183 types of birds. The mountains are home to:

• wild goat and Asiatic mouflon.
• The endangered Persian leopard.
• Caracal, wolf, Red fox, and wild boar.
• Smaller animals like Caucasian squirrel and rabbits.

Nature Protection Areas

Kabir Kouh Protected Area, near Darreh Shahr

About 13% of Ilam province is protected. There are four main protected areas. They cover a total of 1,377 km<sup>2</sup> (532 sq mi).

Arghavan valley near Ilam

Other special natural sites include:

• "Tang-e Bina and Bijar" hunting prohibited area.
• "Arghavan Valley forest reserve" near Ilam city, known for its pink Judas tree blossoms.
• "Largh forest reserve" with unique Pterocarya fraxinifolia trees.

There are also two nationally registered natural heritage sites:

• Razyaneh Canyon: a deep, narrow canyon carved by streams.
• Dehloran: an area with hot water and bitumen springs, and 'bat caves'.

Landslides

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

One of the largest landslides in the world happened in Ilam Province. It occurred in the Kabir Kuh mountain range. A huge amount of rock, about 30 km<sup>3</sup> (7.2 cu mi), moved as far as 14 km (8.7 mi). Scientists think an earthquake might have caused this massive landslide.

Climate and Weather

Köppen climate types of Ilam Province

Ilam's climate is very diverse. This is due to its altitude and its closeness to the Arabian desert and the plains of Iraq.

Different weather systems bring rain in fall, winter, and spring. Sometimes, there is even summer rain. Air from the Mediterranean and Black Sea brings autumn and winter rains. Hot weather in summers comes from currents from the Red Sea and Saudi desert.

Ilam has three main climate types:

• Cold climate: In the mountainous north and northeast, winters are long and cold. Temperatures can drop to −15 to −20 °C (5 to −4 °F). These areas get over 600 mm (24 in) of rain each year.
• Dry hot climate: The plains in the west and southwest are hot and dry. Summer temperatures can go above 52 °C (126 °F). They receive about 200 mm (7.9 in) of rain annually.
• Warm climate: Other areas have warm climates with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures can range from −15 °C (5 °F) in higher places to over 45 °C (113 °F) in lower areas. Rainfall is between 200 mm (7.9 in) and 450 mm (18 in) per year.

Floods and Dust Storms

Flood of Nov 2015 city of Ilam.

Flood of Mar 31, 2019 Majeen, Darreh Shahr

Ilam province can experience big floods. This happens during heavy rainstorms in spring and autumn. The steep slopes of the Zagros Mountains and certain soil types make flooding more likely. Many towns are built near rivers, increasing the risk.

The latest major flood was in March and April 2019. It damaged many bridges, including the Gavmishan bridge. This bridge connects the south of Ilam to Lorestan province.

Ilam is also sometimes affected by dust storms, especially in summer. This has become more common recently. Cities like Mehran and Dehloran are most at risk. This is because they are lower and closer to the deserts of Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

History of Ilam

Elam civilization

The remnants of Seymareh city, also known as Madaktu and Mehrjaqazaq.

Ancient Times

The name "Ilam" comes from the ancient "Elam" civilization. This civilization ruled in what is now southwest Iran from 2700 BC to 539 BC. Archeological finds show people lived here as early as 5000 BC.

The Assyrian king Ashurbanipal destroyed Elam in 639 BC. However, the Elamites continued to live in the area. Later, Elam became part of the Median Empire and then the Achaemenid Empire. During the Achaemenid rule, Elam lost its independence.

During the Sassanid era, Ilam was made of two states. These were Mehrjanqazaq (modern Darreh Shahr) and Masbasan.

Arab and Kurdish Rule

After the Muslims conquered Mesopotamia in 640 AD, they called the area the "Land of the Mountains." This area was controlled by Baghdad and Basra until 961 CE.

Later, Kurdish dynasties like the Ḥasanwayhid dynasty and Hazaraspids ruled parts of western Iran, including Ilam. The Khorshidi dynasty ruled the area for over 400 years, from 1184 to 1597 CE.

Recent History

During the Qajar era (1789-1925), Lorestan was split into two regions. One was Poshtkoh (present-day Ilam province). Poshtkoh means "back of mountain" because Ilam was at the western edge of the Zagros Mountains.

The Vali Castle of Ilam was built in 1908. It is now a nationally recognized heritage site and the Ilam Museum of Anthropology.

In 1925, the Pahlavi dynasty took control. In 1929, "Hossein-Abad" was renamed "Ilam." Ilam became a county in 1937. In 1964, several areas were added to Ilam, making it a "general governorate." Finally, Ilam became a full province in March 1974.

After the Islamic Revolution, Ilam was a major battleground during the Iran-Iraq war. The war started in 1980. As a border province, Ilam was heavily bombed. This left Ilam province damaged for many years. It became one of the least developed provinces in Iran.

Administrative Divisions

Ilam province is divided into 12 counties. These counties are further divided into districts and rural districts. New counties have been created recently, like Holeylan County in 2020.

Cities of Ilam

In 2016, over 68% of Ilam's population lived in cities. The capital city, Ilam, has a population of 194,030. It is the only large city in the province. All other towns have fewer than 35,000 people.

Culture and Arts

The people of Ilam have a diverse culture. This is because many different groups have lived and ruled in the region over time. Today, Ilam is home to Kurds, Lurs, Laks, and Arabs. The culture of Ilam is a mix of these traditions.

Handicrafts

Kilim, a handicraft popular in Ilam

Embossed kilims are a very important and unique handicraft in Ilam. An embossed kilim combines simple kilim weaving with carpet knots. This creates a raised design.

Ilam's embossed kilim became famous thanks to Sahar Chalanghar. She was a weaver from Zanjireh village. Now, over 4,500 weavers in Ilam make these kilims. They produce about 3,000 square meters every year. Ilam has been named the national capital of embossed kilim.

Local Food

Ilam's food is a mix of Kurdish and Lurish dishes. Some traditional local foods include:

Economy of Ilam

Ilam is one of the less developed provinces in Iran. Most of its economy relies on farming and raising animals. This is especially true in rural areas. In cities, people work in skilled trades and services. There are not many factories in Ilam.

Agriculture

Production of crops and fruits in Ilam Province as of 2018.     Crops: 700,732 tons (97.8%)     Fruits: 15,409 tons (2.2%)

Farming is the biggest part of Ilam's economy. Over 55,000 farmers live in the province. About half of all families in Ilam are involved in farming.

In 2018, farmers grew crops like wheat, barley, and watermelon. They produced over 700,000 tons of crops. Ilam is among the bottom provinces for crop yield per hectare.

The farming lands in Ilam are varied. The north and east are mountainous with limited land. The hot plains in the south and southwest have large areas but less water.

Ilam also grows fruits. The total area of orchards in Ilam is 3,950 ha (9,800 acres). This is the smallest in the country. Common fruits include grapes, walnuts, and pomegranates.

Industry

Ilam's industry sector is not very developed. In 2017, there were only 52 industrial workshops with ten or more employees. Most of these are small. Only about 0.6% of Ilam's population works in these industries. This shows how underdeveloped the industry is compared to other provinces like Tehran.

The largest companies in Ilam province include:

• Ilam Cement Company
• Ilam Petrochemical Company
• Ilam Gas Treating Company

Energy Resources

Ilam has a lot of natural gas and oil. It has about 14 trillion cubic meters of gas and 17 billion barrels of oil. This is 6% of Iran's gas and 11% of its oil. Ilam produces a lot of oil and gas every day. This makes it an important energy hub for western Iran.

Some important oil and gas fields are Dehloran and Tang-e Bijar. Despite these large reserves, there are only a few processing plants in the province.

Mining

Ilam province has many non-metal minerals. These include gypsum, limestone, and bitumen. The gypsum in Ilam is very pure. The Dehloran Gypsum Factory makes high-quality products.

Limestone reserves are also very large and pure. The Ilam Cement Factory uses these mines. It produces excellent cement.

The most valuable mineral in Ilam is bitumen. It is found as gilsonite and is very pure. Ilam is the second-largest producer of bitumen in Iran. Eyvan has the biggest bitumen mine in the Middle East.

In some places, liquid bitumen seeps to the ground, forming springs. The "Dehloran Bitumen Spring" is a nationally recognized natural site.

Education

The education system in Ilam is overseen by the provincial education department. Higher education is managed by the Ministry of Science. In 2019, Ilam had 1778 schools and over 112,000 students. There were also over 26,000 higher education students. In 2016, the literacy rate was high, with 89.1% for men and 80.6% for women.

Higher education institutes in Ilam province include:

• Ilam University of Medical Sciences
• Ilam University
• Islamic Azad University of Ilam

Healthcare

Distribution of medical practitioners in Ilam Province

Ilam has a good number of doctors compared to its population. It ranks second in the country for general practitioners per 10,000 people. Ilam also has the highest number of dentists in Iran.

However, most medical facilities are in Ilam city. The capital has most of the hospitals, laboratories, and specialists.

The main hospitals in the province are:

• Imam Khomeini Hospital
• Mostafa Khomeini Hospital
• Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital

Transportation

Air Travel

Ilam's transportation system is still developing. The Ilam Airport is the only airport in the province. It handles many flights and passengers each year. The airport has regular flights to Tehran and Mashhad. In 2016, it became an international airport. It started weekly flights to Najaf.

Roads

As of 2019, Ilam province has 179 km (111 mi) of highway. Key roads include:

• Road 17: Connects Eslamabad-e Gharb to Mehran.
• Road 64: Connects Mehran to Dehloran.

Ilam province also has 10 road tunnels. The most important ones are:

• Ghalajeh tunnel: 2,583 m (8,474 ft) long, opened in 2019.
• Azadi Tunnel: 1,178 m (3,865 ft) long, near Ilam city.
• Kabir Kouh Tunnel: 6,250 m (20,510 ft) long, the longest under-construction tunnel in Iran.

Sports

Football

The Palayesh Gas Ilam Women's football team is the only professional team in Ilam. They play in the Iranian Women's Football Premier League.

Powerlifting

Mojtaba Maleki is a famous athlete from Ilam. He has won two gold medals in the World Powerlifting Championships. He also has many Asian gold medals. He is one of only two people in the world to have squatted 500 kg raw with wraps.

Notable People

• Darioush Rezaeinejad: Nuclear energy scientist.
• Navid Mohammadzadeh: Iranian actor.
• Mojtaba Maleki: Iranian strongman.
• Zabiholla Pourshaib: Iranian karateka.
• Ali Shadman: Iranian actor.

See also

In Spanish: Provincia de Ilam para niños

• Elam
• Ethnic minorities in Iran

Images for kids

• 

  Siah-Ghav Twin Lakes, near Abdanan

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