Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad is one of the southwestern provinces of Iran, renowned for its pristine and captivating natural attractions, abundant rivers, and hospitable people.
History
The land where Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province is currently located has ancient roots, but the formation of this province within the current administrative divisions dates back to less than fifty years ago. The Boyer-Ahmad tribe, the original inhabitants of this province, gained significant power during the Qajar period and spent a considerable amount of time consolidating their power through internal and ethnic conflicts. During the Pahlavi era, parts of this province were part of Fars Province, and other parts belonged to Khuzestan Province until this region was upgraded to a province called Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad in 1963. It eventually became an independent province in 1355 S, Khordad (June 1976). The name of this province is derived from one of its natural features, namely the mountain of "Jilu" or "Gilu," and the name of one of the tribes residing in this area, the Boyer-Ahmad tribe.
Geography
Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province is bordered by Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province to the north, Fars and Bushehr Provinces to the south, Isfahan and Fars Provinces to the east, and Khuzestan Province to the west. This province has a mountainous and elevated terrain, encompassing the Zagros Mountains with parallel ranges stretching across the north and east, as well as the Khayiz, Nil, Siah, and Sefid Mountains in its southeast. Mount Dena, one of the highest peaks in the southern Zagros, is located in this province. Rivers such as Marun, Bishar, Zohreh, Khersan, and Nazmakan flow through this province.
Climate
The peculiar distribution of rainfall and the elevation variations have divided this province into two distinct climatic regions: temperate and warm. The warm region, situated in the south and west of the province and adjacent to Khuzestan, has a warm and semi-arid climate. Rainfall in this region is relatively low, and cold weather and frost are rare. This part of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province is covered with wild pistachio trees or, as the locals call them, "Baneh."
The temperate region lies in the north and east of the province, bordering Fars, Isfahan, and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Provinces. This part of the province, located in the southernmost moist section of the Zagros, is covered with vast and beautiful oak and mountain pistachio forests and is the source of large and abundant rivers such as the Karun and Marun. The frost season in this area begins in some places from Shahrivar (August–September) and continues until the end of Esfand (February–March). Despite its not-so-wide expanse, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province exhibits considerable climatic diversity; while the temperate region is snowy in the cold winter season, various summer fruits and vegetables are cultivated in the warm regions.
Cities of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province
Until 1375 SH (1996), this province consisted of three counties named Boyer-Ahmad, Kohgiluyeh, and Gachsaran. However, in the recent national divisions, this province has been divided into seven counties and sixteen districts, which include sixteen cities and more than 1,700 villages.
Boyer-Ahmad with its central district Yasuj
Located in the temperate district of the province, Yasuj is the capital of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province where the Lurs of the Boyer-Ahmad tribe live. Its beautiful and wild nature, along with numerous historical sites, makes it a must-visit city. The snow-covered mountains of this county attract tourists and winter sports enthusiasts in winters, while its waterfalls and roaring rivers are the main attractions for tourists in the summer season. Fields covered with overturned tulips are also a sight to behold at the end of spring.
The waterfalls of Tang-e Tamoradi, Yasuj, and Margoon, along with the skiing resort of Kakān, are located in this county. Other natural attractions in Yasuj and its surroundings include the riverside park of Beshar, Mehrian Strait, Yasuj Mountain Park, Gol Kuh Lake, and Almun Valley. The city's archaeology museum, which exhibits artifacts recovered from archaeological excavations in the region, is filled with ancient objects that tell the story of the area's ancient past.
Kohgiluyeh with its central district Dehdasht
Dehdasht is a city rich in natural and historical attractions, situated in the tropical district of the province. Its historical fabric, dating back to the Safavid era, was registered as a national monument in 1985.
Gachsaran with its central district Dogonbadan
Dogonbadan is located in the southwestern part of the province in a tropical region. Most of the city's residents speak Luri and Qashqai Turkish, and before 1976, it was part of Khuzestan Province. It is famous for being the location of the country's second oil field, numerous gas resources, and water sources, earning it the nickname "City of Water and Fire." Historical sites in Dogonbadan include the fortress of Dezh-e Soleyman, ancient bridges of Kheyrabad, Perim Bridge or Pirin, historical village of Kheyrabad, which includes a reservoir, fire temple, fortress, and four chambers, remnants of the ancient fire temple of Do Goor Do Pa, Lishtar Dome, and Shambrakan Castle.
Dena with its central district Sisakht
Dena is situated in the temperate district of the province, near Isfahan and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces. Mount Dena, the highest peak in the province, and the beautiful Sisakht waterfall are among the attractions that attract numerous nature lovers and mountain sports enthusiasts to this region every year.
Bahmai with its central district Likak
Most of the people in this county reside in villages, and its only urban district is Likak. Bahmai is the center of the oak forests in the province and hosts many attractions, including Solak Strait, Magher Strait, Baram Alvan Lake, Talkh River, and Maroun Dam Lake, all of which captivate every discerning tourist.
Choram
The city of Choram is the center of pastures and meadows in the province, and its name is derived from this natural feature of the region. Belgheys Spring, historical fortress of Choram, areas covered with almond and mountain pistachio trees, Keikom and Zabangon Valley, and fields covered with indigenous plants, many of which have medicinal and culinary uses, are among the attractions that attract the attention of tourists to this area.
Basht
Shaladon, Sarabiz, Kalgeh Amishkhi, Shah Bahram River, Bayeh Khun, Abdeh Gah, Posht Koh, and Mahur Basht are some of the tourist attractions in the city of Basht and its surroundings. Additionally, one of the oldest living organisms on Earth, an ancient cypress tree located in the village of Lar, a suburb of this city, is more than 2,700 years old and stands over 40 meters tall.
Landeh
The white and black mountains, which are famous mounts in the region and habitats for wildlife species such as brown bear, leopard, ibex, wild goat, and wild sheep, surround this city. The beautiful and pristine nature of Mugarmun, Maroun River, and Ablash Desert are among the attractions of this city.
Accommodations
Aram, Simorgh, Pasargad, Parsian Azadi, and Yasuj Tourist Lodge are well-known accommodations in this province.
Local Foods
One of the characteristics of local foods in this province is the use of dairy and grains in dishes and their naturally delightful flavors. Sholeh Masī, Sholeh Shiri (rice pudding), Sholeh Mashaki, Sholeh Badami, Kaleh Joush, Ash Kardeh, local rice pilaf with mushrooms and lentils, local meat stew, Ash Dengoo, oak bread, and Barko bread are among the local foods of the province.
Restaurants
Restaurants such as Gol, Venus, Bajenagha, Shandiz, Mobin, Pizza Saray-e Shahr, 22 Bahman, Shibani, Bahar, and Shater Abbas are among the restaurants in this province, most of which are located in the city of Yasuj. The number of restaurants in this province is not very high due to the rural nature and small size of the cities.
Handicrafts
The handicrafts of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province are in line with its geography, population structure, and flora and fauna coverage, and they include tribal and rural handicrafts. Jajim, Gelim Gachmeh and Gelim Moshte, felt, pottery, embroidered fabrics, and tent weaving are among the handicrafts of this province.
Souvenirs
With vast plains, high mountains, and hillsides, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province have turned into a unique collection of fragrant edibles and medicinal plants. Walnuts, honey, raisins, Kashk (a dairy product), honeycomb wax, various types of sweets, dried fruits, pennyroyal, sagebrush, and thyme are among the most important souvenirs of this province.
Customs and Traditions
The people of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad celebrate the New Year, known as Norooz, in great detail. A few nights before the New Year, in a ceremony called Kheyrat-e Nime-ye Barat, a type of halva made of milk, rice, and nigella seeds is distributed among neighbors.
Alongside special customs for engagement and wedding ceremonies, mourning rituals and religious ceremonies are also held in this province with unique customs. Weddings are full of towel and scarf dances, turning the ceremony into colorful and joyful festivals. Mourning ceremonies are full of lamentation and sorrow involving symbolic rituals that reflect the heartache of mourners.
Among the diverse customs and traditions observed in this province, the Chaleh Garmkonoon or preparing and eating the most delicious local food stands out, which is done one day before the end of the year, symbolizing ring a sense of warmth to life and welcoming blessings in the new year.
