Ilam province facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ilam Province استان ایلام  (Persian)
Province
A beautiful landscape in Ilam Province
Where Ilam Province is located in Iran
Country	Iran
Region	Region 4
Founded	1974
Capital	Ilam
Counties	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  (2024)	904,000
• 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
ISO 3166 code	IR-16
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) is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. Its capital city is Ilam.

This province is located in the western part of Iran. It covers about 20,164 square kilometers. Ilam shares a 425-kilometer border with Iraq. It also borders the Iranian provinces of Kermanshah, Lorestan, and Khuzestan.

Etymology: The Meaning of Ilam

The name "Ilam" comes from "Elam". This was an ancient civilization that lived in southwestern Iran a very long time ago, from around 2700 BC to 539 BC.

History: A Journey Through Time

Elam civilization

The remnants of Seymareh city, also known as Madaktu.

Ancient Times

People have lived in the Ilam area for a very long time, since about 5000 BC. The name "Ilam" reminds us of the ancient Elam civilization. This civilization was powerful in southwest Iran for many centuries.

Around 639 BC, the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal invaded Elam. Even after this, the Elamite people continued to live in the area. Later, Ilam became part of the Median Empire and then the Achaemenid Empire. During these times, Ilam was an important region due to its location.

Medieval Eras

The Buyids ruled over western Iran.

After the Arab conquests around 640 AD, the area was called the "Land of the Mountains" or "Jibal." Various Arab caliphates ruled the region for several centuries. Later, the Buyid dynasty took control in 945 CE.

Around 1155, Kurdish groups, known as Hazaraspids, began to rule parts of the Zagros Mountains. One group, the Little Lor, controlled areas including present-day Ilam. Another Kurdish group, the Hasanwayhids, also ruled parts of western Iran.

The Khorshidi and Vali Dynasties

Little and Big Lorestan regions

Vali Castle in Ilam

The Little Lor rulers, also called the Khorshidi dynasty, governed the area for over 400 years. Their rule ended in 1597. After that, the Vali/Wali dynasty, also known as Feyli Vali, began to govern.

During the Qajar era (1789–1925), the Ilam region was known as Poshtkoh. This name meant "back of the mountain" because of its location in the western Zagros Mountains. The governors of Poshtkoh reported directly to the central government. The famous Vali Castle in Ilam was built in 1908 by Gholamreza Khan Feyli. Today, it is a national heritage site and a museum.

Modern Times

In 1925, the Pahlavi dynasty came to power. They changed the name "Hossein-Abad" to "Ilam" in 1929. Ilam became a county and later, in March 1974, it was officially made a province.

In the 1980s, Ilam was a border area during a conflict. This period caused significant damage to the province's buildings and economy. The people of Ilam worked hard to rebuild and recover in the years that followed.

Geography: Mountains, Rivers, and Plains

Topographic map of Ilam province showing mountains and rivers.

Ilam province is the 22nd largest province in Iran. It is located in the southwestern part of the country. The province has two main natural areas:

• The northern and eastern parts are mountainous.
• The southwest has low plains that stretch towards Iraq and Khuzestan.

The mountains in Ilam mostly run from northwest to southeast. They are separated by plains and hills where people grow crops. The most famous mountain is Kabir Kouh, which is 160 km long. The highest point in Ilam is Kan Seifi peak, standing at 2,775 meters above sea level.

Other important mountains include:

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

Manesht mountain

The southern and southwestern plains are much lower, between 50 and 300 meters above sea level. Even with little rain, these areas are farmed thanks to rivers and irrigation systems.

Rivers and Lakes

Siah-Ghav Twin Lakes, near Abdanan

The Ghamasiab river flows into Ilam and becomes the Seymareh River. It then joins the Kashkan river to form the Karkheh River, one of Iran's longest rivers. Many smaller rivers in Ilam flow into the Seymareh or westward towards Iraq.

Ilam has a few natural springs, like the Siah-Ghav Twin Lakes. There are also four important dams that provide drinking water: Ilam, Seymareh, Eywan, and Doiraj dams.

Flora: Plants of Ilam

Persian turpentine tree

Persian oak forest in Ilam province

About 31% of Ilam is covered with forests, mostly Persian oak trees. You can also find wild almond, hawthorn, and Persian turpentine trees. The Arghavan Canyon is famous for its beautiful pink Judas-trees that bloom in spring.

Fauna: Animals of Ilam

Spider-tailed horned viper

Ilam is home to many animals, including 32 types of mammals and 183 types of birds. In the mountains, you might see wild goats, Asiatic mouflon, and even the endangered Persian leopard. Other animals include Caracals, Asian black bears, wolfs, and wild boars. Smaller animals like Caucasian squirrels and rabbits also live here.

Ilam province is the only place in the world where the unique spider-tailed horned viper can be found!

Nature Conservatories

Kabir Kouh Protected Area, near Darreh Shahr

About 13% of Ilam province is protected to help preserve its nature. There are four main protected areas:

• Kabir Kouh Protected Area near Darreh Shahr
• Dinar Kouh near Abdanan
• Manesht and Qolarangh near Ilam
• Koulak near Mehran

Other special places include the "Arghavan Valley forest reserve," known for its pink Judas trees, and the "Razyaneh Canyon," a deep, narrow canyon. There's also an area near Dehloran with hot water springs and 'bat caves.'

Landslides

Seymareh Landslide in Darreh Shahr County

View from Pol-e Dokhtar to the landslide on Kabir Kouh.

Ilam Province is known for one of the largest landslides ever recorded. This huge event happened in the Kabir Kuh mountain range. Scientists believe an earthquake might have caused this massive slide, moving a vast amount of rock.

Climate: Weather in Ilam

Köppen climate types of Ilam province

Ilam's climate is very varied due to its mountains and plains. Air from the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea brings rain in autumn and winter. Hot air from Iraq and Saudi Arabia causes very hot summers.

Ilam has three main climate types:

• Cold Climate: The northern and northeastern mountains have long, cold winters. Temperatures can drop to -15 to -20°C.
• Dry Hot Climate: The western and southwestern plains have very hot, dry summers. Temperatures can go above 52°C.
• Warm Climate: Other areas have hot summers and mild winters.

Floods and Dust Storms

Flood in Ilam city in November 2015.

Flood in Majeen, Darreh Shahr, March 2019.

Heavy rainstorms can sometimes cause floods in Ilam. This happens because of the steep mountains and certain soil types. Many towns are built near rivers, which increases the risk. In March and April 2019, Ilam experienced significant flooding, which damaged bridges like the Gavmishan bridge.

Ilam also sometimes experiences dust storms, especially in summer. These storms are more common now due to droughts and conflicts in nearby countries. Cities like Mehran and Dehloran are most affected.

Demographics: People of Ilam

Languages and Ethnic Groups

Ilam Province has a mix of languages because it's located where different language groups meet. The main language is Kurdish, with various dialects spoken. Luri is spoken in the southern parts of the province. You can also find some smaller communities where Arabic is spoken near the border with Khuzestan.

The northern parts of Ilam are mostly home to Kurdish tribes like the Kalhuri and Feyli.

Population

In 2016, the population of Ilam Province was 580,158 people. It is currently the least populated province in Iran. The capital city, Ilam, has about 194,030 residents.

Administrative Divisions

Ilam province is divided into 12 counties, which are like large districts. These counties are further divided into smaller areas.

Cities

More than 68% of Ilam's population lives in cities. The capital, Ilam, is the largest city.

Culture: Traditions and Art

Ilam's culture is a mix of different groups who have lived there over time, including Kurds, Lurs, Laks, and Arabs. This blend makes the local culture very rich and interesting.

Handicrafts

Kilim, a popular handicraft in Ilam

One of the most important handicrafts in Ilam is the Embossed Kilim. This is a special type of rug that combines simple weaving with carpet knots, creating a raised pattern. It became famous thanks to a weaver named Sahar Chalanghar. Today, thousands of people in Ilam make these beautiful kilims. Ilam is even known as the national capital of embossed kilim.

Cuisine

Tarkhineh, a traditional dish in Ilam

Ilam's food is a delicious mix of Kurdish and Luri cooking. Some traditional dishes include:

• Bersaq
• Kala-Konji
• Tarkhineh
• Chezenak-Reqo
• Shola-Keena
• Mountain Leek Stew
• Kangar
• Jeghar-Vaz
• Saj bread
• Qala Masoua
• Qoyerma
• Makash

Economy: How People Make a Living

Ilam is still developing compared to some other parts of Iran. Most people in rural areas work in farming and raising animals. In cities, people work in various services and skilled trades.

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 work here, and about half of all families are involved in agriculture. Farmers grow crops like wheat, barley, corn, watermelon, and cucumber. They also grow fruits such as grapes, walnuts, pomegranates, and olives.

Industry

Ilam's industry is not as developed as in some other provinces. There are fewer large factories here. However, efforts are being made to encourage new businesses by building industrial towns and offering benefits like cheaper land. Some of the larger companies include Ilam Cement Company and Ilam Petrochemical Company.

Energy

Ilam is rich in natural resources, holding a lot of Iran's gas and oil reserves. It ranks 2nd in gas and 3rd in oil reserves in the country. This makes Ilam an important energy center for western Iran. There are several plants that process oil and gas in the province.

Mining

Ilam has many non-metallic minerals. You can find large amounts of gypsum, limestone, and bitumen. Ilam's gypsum is very pure, and the Dehloran Gypsum Factory produces high-quality products. The province is also 2nd in Iran for bitumen production and reserves. The "Dehloran Bitumen Spring" is a natural monument where liquid bitumen seeps from the ground.

Education: Learning in Ilam

Ilam has many schools for elementary and secondary education. For higher education, there are several universities and institutes. As of 2019, there were 1,778 schools and over 112,503 students in Ilam province. The literacy rate for men was 89.1% and for women was 80.6% in 2016.

Some of the higher education institutes include:

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

Healthcare: Staying Healthy

Distribution of medical practitioners in Ilam province

Ilam has a good number of doctors and dentists compared to its population. However, most of the medical facilities and specialists are located in the capital city, Ilam.

Some of the main hospitals in the province are:

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

Transportation: Getting Around

Air Travel

The Ilam Airport is the only airport in the province. It has regular flights to cities like Tehran and Mashhad. In 2016, it also started international flights to Najaf.

Road Travel

Ilam province has a network of roads, including highways that connect it to other parts of Iran. Important roads include Road 17, which links Eslamabad-e Gharb to Mehran, and Road 64, connecting Mehran to Dehloran.

There are also several road tunnels in Ilam, helping cars travel through the mountains. The Ghalajeh tunnel is 2,583 meters long, and the Kabir Kouh Tunnel is under construction and will be 6,250 meters long.

Sports: Active in Ilam

Football

Ilam has a women's football team called Palayesh Gas Ilam. They compete in Iran's top professional league, the Kowsar Women Football League.

Powerlifting

Mojtaba Maleki is a famous powerlifter from Ilam. He has won gold medals in World Powerlifting Championships and many Asian gold medals. He is known for being one of only two people in the world to squat 500 kg raw with wraps.

Notable People

• Darioush Rezaeinejad, nuclear energy scientist
• Navid Mohammadzadeh, Iranian actor
• Mojtaba Maleki, Iranian strongman
• Zabihollah Pourshab, Iranian karateka
• Ali Shadman, Iranian actor
• Said Lotfi, Iranian footballer
• Pouria Norouzian, Iranian sport shooter
• Armina Sadeghian, Iranian sport shooter
• Ali Hashemi, Iranian weightlifter
• Jahangir Asgari, Iranian footballer
• Behrouz Boochani, Iranian-Kurdish writer and filmmaker

Images for kids

• 

  Vizhdarvan Valley

• 

  Gavmishan

• 

  Gavmishan

• 

  Gavmishan

• 

  Vizhdarvan Valley

• 

  Vizhdarvan Valley

• 

  Malekshahi Dam

• 

  Malekshahi Dam

• 

  Ilam Province

See also

In Spanish: Provincia de Ilam para niños

• Elam
• Ethnic minorities in Iran