Images of Iran: Kermanshah
Kermanshah, located in western Iran at the foothills of the Zagros Mountains, serves as the capital of Kermanshah Province and is a major urban, cultural, and economic center in the region. Its history extends deep into antiquity, with evidence of human settlement and prehistoric occupation in the surrounding area, and later prominence as a strategic hub on ancient trade routes between the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Founded in the Sasanian era, the city and its environs feature significant archaeological and architectural heritage, including the UNESCO-listed Bisotun Inscription and the Sasanian rock reliefs of Taq-e Bostan, which attest to its long historical importance. Predominantly Kurdish in population, Kermanshah embodies a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, languages, and festivals, and has historically functioned as a crossroads of Persian and Kurdish influences. Its economy encompasses agriculture, industry, and trade, while its historical bazaar, mosques, and museums reflect its multifaceted identity as both an ancient settlement and a contemporary provincial capital.
