Sirvan Historic City: A Timeless Treasure in Ilam
The historical city of Sirvan is one of the most remarkable landmarks from the pre-Islamic era and a must-visit destination in Ilam. The remnants of castles, sites, pathways, and residential areas in this ancient city showcase Sassanian architecture, reflecting its grandeur and magnificence in bygone days.
Located in a scenic, mountainous region with exceptional natural beauty, the historical city of Sirvan boasts an ideal climate. The Simreh River flows near this ancient city, serving as a key factor in the prosperity of the area.
A visit to this historical site is not only captivating for history enthusiasts but also highly appealing to nature lovers. To learn more about the historical city of Sirvan and its tourism potential, stay with us on Gulf City Pedia Magazine.
Where is the Historical City of Sirvan?
Address of the Historical City of Sirvan:
Ilam Province, 55 kilometers southeast of Ilam, Sarab Kalan Village, Historical City of Sirvan.
The historical city of Sirvan is an ancient site in western Iran, located in the northern part of Ilam Province near the border with Lorestan Province. It was registered as a national heritage site in 2001. This historical city is situated in a scenic area with pleasant weather, abundant water resources, fertile lands, and rivers, which contributed to its development in ancient times.
Sarab Kalan Village and the Historical City of Sirvan
Sarab Kalan Village in Ilam is located atop the ancient mounds of the historical city of Sirvan. Many parts of this historical site remain buried under the village’s hills. The village, which had an estimated population of about 1,800 in the 2006 census, is home to residents who primarily engage in livestock farming, gardening, and agriculture in the fertile lands surrounding the area.
Architectural Heritage of Sirvan
Archaeologists have uncovered valuable architectural remnants from the historical city of Sirvan, showcasing the advanced Sassanian-era architecture. Studies reveal significant similarities between Sirvan’s urban planning and other Sassanian-era structures such as the historical city of Saimareh, Sheikh Makan Castle, Bahram Chobin Castle in Kabir Kuh, and Cham Ab Bridge. Surrounding Sarab Kalan Village are beautiful mountain landscapes and forests filled with aromatic and medicinal plants. These historical and natural features make the historical city of Sirvan and its overlooking village a notable tourist destination in Ilam Province.
Natural Attractions Around Sirvan
The area around Sarab Kalan and the historical city of Sirvan is adorned with prominent natural attractions, including the Sarab Kalan River, Sirvan Mountain, and Zagros oak forests. The region boasts diverse flora and fauna. The local community has Kurdish origins and celebrates traditional ceremonies and festivals accompanied by local music and customs. Handicraft production is also common among the village’s women.
How to Access the Historical City of Sirvan
The historical city of Sirvan is located in the northern part of Ilam Province, surrounded by villages such as Lumar, Sarableh, Ghoslak, and Sartang. This ancient site lies about 55 kilometers southeast of Ilam City at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters above sea level.
To visit the historical city of Sirvan, you must travel to northern Ilam Province. Depending on your starting location, you can reach the site from cities like Ilam, Eslamabad-e Gharb, Mehran, or Kuhdasht. If traveling from the eastern part of Ilam Province, head towards Lumar City. On the Lumar-to-Ilam road, take the left exit leading to Sarab Kalan Village. After a 10-kilometer drive on this secondary road, you will arrive at the historical city of Sirvan.
History of Sirvan
The historical city of Sirvan is one of the significant archaeological sites in Ilam Province, dating back to the Sassanid dynasty. Experts have found notable similarities in its architecture with other remaining structures from the Sassanid era. The use of stone and gypsum in constructing buildings, as well as the design of its courtyards, houses, and internal pathways, are among the most important features used to determine its historical age.
Present-day Ilam has long been a focal point for various tribes in ancient Iran due to its favorable climate and geographical location. During the Sassanid period, many cities were established in these areas, the most notable of which were Sirvan and Mehrjan Qadhaq. These ancient cities were situated in the central regions of Masbazan and Simreh. Sirvan, also known as Shirvan, was one of the most important cities of its time.
Sirvan: A Prime Example of Sassanid Architecture
The village of Sarab Kalan and the historical city of Sirvan date back more than 1,400 years. Experts, through historical texts and available documents, estimate that the city reached its peak of splendor during the reign of Khosrow I (Anushiravan) of the Sassanid dynasty. Sirvan and its surrounding areas were among the most prominent retreats of this Sassanid king.
According to reliable historical sources, the city of Sirvan maintained its grandeur until the 4th century AH (Islamic calendar) before gradually falling into decline and obscurity. Military conflicts between the Sassanids and nearby tribes, Arab invasions, and a devastating earthquake were among the primary causes of its downfall. Sirvan and Simreh shared significant structural similarities and were among the most prosperous cities of the Sassanid era before the Arab conquest. After their destruction, these regions were inhabited solely by nomads for centuries, and urbanization akin to the pre-conquest era did not re-emerge.
With the establishment of the Buyid dynasty in Iran and the shift of political focus toward the eastern regions of the country, Ilam and its surrounding towns fell out of prominence. Despite its importance during previous eras, Sirvan and its surroundings remained neglected, with no recorded settlements in the area for over 1,000 years.
Rediscovery and Challenges
The ancient city of Sirvan remained hidden beneath archaeological mounds for centuries. The development of Sarab Kalan village with its dense structure atop this historical site has hindered advanced archaeological exploration in the area. Undoubtedly, thorough excavation and restoration efforts could lead to significant discoveries and the preservation of this ancient site.
However, the settlement of villagers over the past 100 years has caused irreparable damage to this historical site. Given the village’s hilly structure and its surroundings, the necessity for archaeological excavations in these mounds is clear. Relocating the homes of Sarab Kalan villagers from the historical city of Sirvan presents serious challenges due to their dependence on surrounding farmland. At the same time, continued settlement in this area risks the complete destruction of the ancient site in the near future.
Attractions of Sirvan
Sirvan County in Ilam is one of the most beautiful natural areas in western Iran. With its prominent historical structures and breathtaking landscapes, this county has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The historic city of Sirvan is one of the most famous attractions of the region, surrounded by other significant landmarks. While visiting this historical site, you can also explore the following attractions in Sirvan County:
Shrines in Sirvan
Sirvan County is home to the tombs of several religious figures and saints, which are highly respected by the locals. Throughout the year, many visitors dedicate time to exploring these sacred sites as part of their visit to Sirvan’s attractions.
Some of the most notable religious landmarks include:
Imamzadeh Soret Banoo in the village of Gurab,
Imamzadeh Seyed Ali near the city of Lumar,
Imamzadeh Abbas Arab in the village of Cham Shir,
Imamzadeh Mohammad Baqer in the southern part of the village of Sefid Khani,
Imamzadeh Zaid ibn Ali, located on a hill overlooking the Seymareh River.
Sarben Fortress and Gorge
Sarben Fortress is located along the Seymareh River, atop a gorge of the same name. Its strategic geographic location highlights its historical significance. Situated to the east of Lumar and north of the village of Vargech, this fortress is surrounded by pristine and captivating scenery. The architectural style and materials used in the fortress indicate its construction during the Sassanid era. Visiting the fortress and Sarben Gorge requires venturing into nature. Although the access route to the fortress is not particularly easy, the journey is stunning and rewarding.
Before exploring Sarben Fortress, visitors can spend time near Seymareh Dam Lake, enjoying boating or simply relaxing by the water. For the best experience, it is recommended to visit during the first six months of the year. Other nearby attractions along the Seymareh River include the Branjan and Shamsheh Gorges, which are also worth exploring.
Cham Ruteh Village
Cham Ruteh Village is one of the most scenic areas in Sirvan County, located near Seymareh Dam. The village is surrounded by agricultural lands and dense forests. In the local dialect, “Cham” means spring, reflecting the abundance of springs in this region. Cham Ruteh is a short distance from the city of Lumar, making it a great stop during a visit to the historic city of Sirvan.
Shirvan Hill
Shirvan Hill is located near the Seymareh River and the historic city of Sirvan. As one of the oldest areas in the region, archaeologists date it back to the prehistorical era. On the hill’s surface layers, artifacts from the Sassanid period have been discovered. Despite its significance, Shirvan Hill has not been thoroughly excavated, and complete information about this ancient site is still unavailable. This archaeological hill has been registered as a National Heritage Site in Iran.
Vazil Fortress
Vazil Fortress is another historical structure in Sirvan County, attributed to the Sassanid dynasty. The fortress is situated along the Seymareh River, about 25 kilometers from the city of Lumar. Visitors can reach the fortress by traveling to the village of Sefid Khani Olya. This fortress is also listed as a national heritage site and is nestled on the slopes of Mount Qalaring.
Map and Features of Sirvan
The historic city of Sirvan is one of the finest examples of stone cities in Iran. Limited archaeological studies in this area reveal the skill and artistry of Sassanid architects. The city consists of various elements, including towers, crypts, single-story and double-story structures, pathways, and basements. These buildings were primarily constructed with stone and lime, covering an area estimated at 15 hectares.
The village of Sarab Kalan, characterized by densely packed homes, is built over the remnants of the historic city of Sirvan. Today, the ruins of this ancient city serve as storage spaces and barns for the village’s residents. The densely packed modern homes in Sarab Kalan are situated directly above intact tunnels and rooms of the ancient city. The walls of the ancient structures are 60 to 90 centimeters thick, and the building materials and vaulted architectural style resemble those of other Sassanid-era cities like Seymareh. Large stones used in the city’s construction were collected from the Seymareh River, while plaster was sourced from nearby mountains.
The roofs of the historical city’s structures, now barns and storage spaces for Sarab Kalan’s residents, were once domed or arched. In the central part of Sirvan’s historical buildings, remnants of a grand structure with narrow hallways can be found. The hallway leads to a domed chamber, referred to as a crypt or “Anushirvan’s Tomb.”
Some experts and archaeologists regard the ruins of Sirvan’s historical city as the most complete example of Sassanid urban architecture. Most homes in this city were two-story structures, with interconnected rooms and hallways. Central sections of the houses were illuminated by skylights, and the rooms had domed ceilings. Given the relative preservation of this archaeological site, experts believe further excavations could uncover significant artifacts and information about the ancient city of Sirvan.
The Best Time to Visit Sirvan
Ilam Province, located in the mountainous and cold regions of Iran, is an ideal destination for travel during the warmer seasons of the year. Known for its outstanding eco-tourism potential, the province attracts nature enthusiasts with its mountains and dense forests. Often referred to as the “Bride of Zagros,” Ilam sees many visitors throughout the year exploring its attractions.
More than 80% of Ilam Province consists of natural habitats, most of which are situated in its northern parts. The dense mountains near the historic city of Sirvan are covered in snow and ice during autumn and winter. With the arrival of spring, the natural beauty around the village of Sarab Kalan comes alive, as vibrant flower-filled plains and lush forests envelop the region. From a climate perspective, the best time to visit the historic city of Sirvan is during spring and summer.
The historic city of Sirvan experiences its peak tourist influx in spring. Summer is also a suitable time for sightseeing, although the midday sun can be intense due to the clear skies. During summer, it’s recommended to visit the historic city of Sirvan and its surrounding attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you enjoy winter trips to cold regions, make sure to bring complete vehicle equipment, warm clothing, and sturdy footwear for visiting this historic city.
The route to the historic city of Sirvan passes through winding mountain roads. These roads are often snow-covered during winter, requiring careful driving. Before traveling to these areas in winter, check the weather and road conditions.
Attractions Around Sirvan
The areas surrounding Sirvan County boast numerous tourism potentials. Below are some of the notable attractions near Sirvan.
Ahangaran Cemetery
Ahangaran Cemetery is located a short distance from the village of Sarab Karzan, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of the village of Sarab Kalan. According to archaeological excavations, the graves in this cemetery date back about 5,000 years to the Iron Age. Although the arrangement of the graves lacks an apparent order, their placement suggests a systematic design in the past.
The cemetery contains approximately 100 stone graves, each weighing between one to five tons. Some graves are collective, belonging to family members. Over the years, many graves have been illegally excavated, and numerous artifacts have reportedly been stolen from the site. Ahangaran Cemetery is among the most famous historical landmarks of Ilam, near the historic city of Sirvan.
Mount Mansht and Abdalan Cave
Mount Mansht is one of the most beautiful natural areas near Ilam and is a popular recreational spot due to its lush greenery. This mountain is covered with dense forests, home to diverse plant and animal species. The Abdalan Cave, also known as Ashkaft-e Abdalan, is one of Ilam’s most pristine natural attractions, located on the slopes of Mount Mansht, 15 kilometers from Ilam and 50 kilometers from the historic city of Sirvan. Visiting this untouched natural wonder requires proper mountaineering and caving gear. Surrounding the cave is a stunning valley known as Hayanan, offering breathtaking views.
Kafarin Gorge
Kafarin Gorge, or Kafri Gorge, is approximately 60 kilometers southeast of the historic city of Sirvan. This gorge is one of Ilam’s most beautiful natural attractions, drawing numerous tourists in spring and summer for boating and enjoying the stunning scenery. The gorge is surrounded by lush and captivating landscapes that appeal to nature lovers. Along the gorge, you’ll find natural caves, beautiful waterfalls, and other historical and natural attractions. Safety precautions are essential when visiting this gorge and boating along its waters.
FAQs
Where is the historic city of Sirvan located?
The historic city of Sirvan is situated in the northern part of Ilam Province, southeast of Ilam city.
To which historical era does the historic city of Sirvan belong?
The Sasanian era.
What is the best season to visit the historic city of Sirvan?
From early spring to the end of summer.
What is the distance between the historic city of Sirvan and Ilam?
55 kilometers.
