Kermanshah

Quick Facts

• Region: Western Iran
• Governorate/Province: Kermanshah Province
• Elevation: 1,350 m
• Population (year): 946,651 (2016 census)

Overview

Kermanshah is the capital of Kermanshah Province in western Iran, located in a fertile valley along the Qareh Su River on a historic caravan route. The city was founded in the 4th century CE by the Sasanian ruler Bahram IV.

It is a major Kurdish cultural center and a gateway between the Iranian plateau and Mesopotamia.

History and Culture

After its founding in the Sasanian period, Kermanshah passed under Arab, Seljuk, and later Persian dynasties, remaining an important regional center. Its heritage reflects centuries of political and cultural change.

Sites and Landmarks

The Taq-e Bostan rock reliefs, carved in the Sasanian era, lie just outside the city. The Bisotun World Heritage Site, with its famous inscriptions of Darius I, is located in the wider Kermanshah region.

Notable People

Bahram IV, the Sasanian ruler who founded the city, is the most prominent historical figure associated with Kermanshah.

Population

Population (2016 census): 946,651.