Kermanshah history

Kermanshah is a city with a rich and ancient history, with roots reaching deep into antiquity. Located in the west of Iran, it has witnessed the rise and fall of great empires over the centuries, playing a vital role in the cultural and political life of the region. Although archaeological findings indicate that these lands were inhabited as early as the Paleolithic era, the official founding of the city is associated with the 4th century AD.

Foundation and First Mentions

It is believed that the city was founded or significantly elevated during the reign of the Sassanid Empire. According to the most common version, Kermanshah owes its name to the Sassanid ruler Bahram IV. Before ascending the throne, he was the governor of the Kerman province and held the title "Kerman Shah," which translates as "Ruler of Kerman." Upon founding the city here, he gave it his name. During the Sassanid era, Kermanshah became one of the most important centres of the empire, often serving as a summer residence for the royal court due to its pleasant mountain climate.

Key Factors of Development

The city's prosperity was driven by several key factors. Firstly, its strategic geographical location in the Zagros Mountains, at the intersection of routes connecting the Iranian Plateau with Mesopotamia. This made Kermanshah a vital point on the Great Khorasan Road, which was part of the famous Silk Road. Secondly, its status as one of the capitals and the patronage of the Sassanid shahs ensured political stability and economic investment. Caravans travelling from east to west stopped here, fostering the development of trade and cultural exchange.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

In the early period of its history, Kermanshah was not only an administrative and commercial centre but also a significant cultural hub. The city's economy relied on thriving agriculture in the fertile valleys and revenues from caravan trade. The architectural heritage of that time, particularly the famous rock reliefs in the Taq-e Bostan complex, testifies to the high level of development in art and craftsmanship. The city was also known as a centre of Kurdish culture and music, traditions which are preserved to this day.

Timeline of Kermanshah's History

• 4th Century AD: The city is founded or significantly rebuilt during the Sassanid dynasty. The name "Kermanshah" is believed to derive from the title of the ruler Bahram IV. During this period, Kermanshah becomes an important political centre and summer residence for Sassanid kings.
• 640: The city was conquered by Arab forces, marking the beginning of the Islamic period in its history. It received a new name — Qirmasin.
• 11th Century: During the reign of the Seljuk dynasty, Kermanshah transforms into the region's main city and a vital cultural and trade hub of western Iran.
• 1257: The city was sacked by Mongol troops led by Hulagu Khan, leading to a temporary decline.
• 16th–18th Centuries: Under the Safavid dynasty, Kermanshah was fortified and used as a key military outpost for defence against Ottoman invasions.
• 18th–Early 20th Century: During the Qajar dynasty, the city becomes a major administrative and commercial centre. Many famous buildings, including bazaars and mosques, are constructed during this time.
• 1914–1917: During World War I, the city was successively occupied by Russian and Ottoman troops until they were ousted by British forces in 1917.
• 1950s: The construction of a modern road along the route of the ancient Khorasan Road significantly increased the transport and economic importance of the city.
• 1980–1988: Kermanshah suffered seriously during the Iran-Iraq War due to its proximity to the border. Extensive reconstruction works were carried out in the following years.
• 2021: The city was recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, highlighting its rich culinary heritage.

Stages of the City's Development and Transformation

The history of Kermanshah is a journey from an ancient royal residence to a modern industrial and cultural centre. Each era has left its mark on the street layout, economic structure, and architectural appearance of this important city in western Iran.

• Sassanid Urbanism (4th Century): Foundation of the city as a summer capital and climatic resort for Persian kings. This status attracted investment and the best craftsmen to the region, laying the foundation for the development of a rich urban culture and monumental art.
• Strategic Silk Road Hub: Thanks to its location on the main trade route connecting the Iranian Highlands with Mesopotamia, the city prospered for centuries as a logistics and customs centre. Servicing caravans became the backbone of the local economy.
• Commercial Boom of the Qajar Era (18th–19th Centuries): The construction of the famous covered bazaar and numerous caravanserais turned the city into the region's main trading hub. This led to a significant expansion of the urban area and the growth of the merchant class.
• Industrialisation and Oil (1935): The launch of the oil refinery was a turning point that transformed the agrarian-trading economy into an industrial one. The emergence of large-scale production stimulated population influx and the construction of working-class neighbourhoods.
• Infrastructure Modernisation (Mid-20th Century): The construction of modern highways and an airport integrated the city into the national transport network. New wide avenues changed the city's structure, connecting the historic centre with new districts.
• Post-War Reconstruction (1990s): After severe destruction during the Iran-Iraq War, the city underwent massive reconstruction. The restoration of housing stock and infrastructure gave impetus to the renewal of utility networks and urban planning schemes.
• Status of Gastronomy Capital (2021): Inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network highlighted the shift towards an experience economy. The development of gastronomic tourism has become a new driver for small businesses and the preservation of cultural traditions.

The architectural landscape of Kermanshah represents a multi-layered canvas where great empires and entire epochs have left their mark. The city, which grew upon an ancient trade route, harmoniously combines the monumental heritage of antiquity, the elegance of Islamic architecture, and features of modern urban planning.

Ancient Heritage: From Rock Reliefs to Monumental Structures

Although the city itself was established during the Sassanid Empire (4th Century AD), its architectural identity is inextricably linked to the monumental monuments located in its vicinity. The foremost of these is the Taq-e Bostan complex—a series of rock grottos and reliefs depicting scenes of royal power and hunting. These works, carved into the rock, demonstrate the grandeur and artistic canons of Sassanid art. Together with the older Behistun Inscription, they formed a unique historical and cultural landscape that has defined the significance of this region for centuries. In the city itself, important infrastructure objects from the Safavid era remain, such as the ancient Pol-e Kohneh bridge.

Golden Age of Urban Architecture: The Qajar Era

The architectural style of the Qajar Dynasty (18th–early 20th centuries) is most vividly manifested in Kermanshah's urban development. Iconic ensembles were created during this period, defining the look of the historic centre. Qajar architecture here is distinguished by rich decoration, particularly unique tile work.

• Tekyeh Moaven al-Molk: A true gem of the Qajar period, this religious structure (Tekyeh) is world-renowned for its unsurpassed tile mosaics. The tiles cover the walls, depicting not only religious scenes from the history of Shiism but also scenes from the Persian epic and portraits of ancient kings, making it a unique monument of art.
• Traditional Bazaar of Kermanshah: As in many Eastern cities, the bazaar became the heart of commercial and social life. Built during the Qajar era, it represents an extensive covered street with numerous shops, workshops, and caravanserais, preserving the atmosphere of the old city.
• Mosques: The city is adorned with several significant mosques built during this period. Among them, the Emad o-Doleh Mosque and the Shafi'i Mosque stand out, distinguished by domes, iwans, and elegant minarets characteristic of Iranian architecture.

Urban Planning of the 20th and 21st Centuries

In the 20th century, the urban development of Kermanshah followed the path of modernisation. The construction of wide avenues and modern transport arteries, especially after the 1950s, changed the city's structure. Large-scale reconstruction works following the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) led to the appearance of new residential districts and public buildings. As a result, today Kermanshah is a city of contrasts, where the historic centre with its narrow streets and traditional buildings sits alongside modern neighbourhoods reflecting the city's dynamic development in recent times.

Prominent Figures Associated with Kermanshah

The city of Kermanshah, with its rich history and cultural heritage, has been the birthplace or an important stage in the lives of many prominent figures. They have made significant contributions to art, politics, science, and philosophy both at the national and global levels.

• Doris Lessing (1919–2013) — British writer and laureate of the 2007 Nobel Prize in Literature. She was born in Kermanshah to the family of a British official. Although she left Iran in early childhood, the fact of her birth in this city is a matter of pride for its residents and an important part of its modern history.
• Mirza Mohammad Reza Kalhor (c. 1829–1892) — One of the most distinguished Persian calligraphers of the 19th century, a master of the "Nasta'liq" style. Born into the Kalhor tribe in Kermanshah, he revolutionised calligraphy by adapting it for the needs of printing. His style is still considered a benchmark and is widely studied.
• Shahram Nazeri (b. 1950) — A world-renowned Iranian singer of Kurdish origin, nicknamed the "Pavarotti of Iran". He was born in Kermanshah and received his initial musical education here. Nazeri was the first to perform the poetry of the great Sufi poet Rumi within the framework of traditional Persian music, earning him international acclaim.
• Ali Akbar Moradi (b. 1957) — The greatest contemporary master of the tanbur, an ancient string instrument sacred to followers of the Yarsan faith. Born near Kermanshah, he has dedicated his life to studying and preserving the Kurdish "maqam" musical repertoire, performing concerts around the world.
• Karim Sanjabi (1905–1995) — A prominent Iranian political figure, lawyer, and professor at the University of Tehran. He was born in Kermanshah into the family of the head of the Kurdish Sanjabi tribe. Sanjabi was one of the leaders of the National Front of Iran, served as a minister in the government of Mohammad Mosaddegh, and briefly served as Minister of Foreign Affairs after the revolution.
• Nur Ali Elahi (1895–1974) — An influential mystic philosopher, jurist, and musician of Kurdish origin. He was born in a village near Kermanshah and spent his youth studying spiritual practices and music under the guidance of his father. Later, he developed his own philosophical teaching on the metaphysical perfection of man within the framework of an active social life.