Khorramabad (; ) is a city in the Central District of Khorramabad County, Lorestan province, Iran, serving as capital of the province, the county, and the district. Situated in a scenic valley surrounded by mountains, the city lies approximately 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) east of the Iraqi border.

Etymology

Some researchers such as Zana Salehrad propose that the name Khorramabad may originate from historical references to the region’s prosperity and well-being, with 'khorram' signifying 'joyful' or 'flourishing,' and 'abad' denoting a populated place or settlement.

History

Prehistoric sites

The Khorramabad Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains evidences from the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic periods with remains of Mousterian and Baradostian cultures.

Hazaraspids

The founder of the Hazaraspid dynasty was Abu Tahir ibn Muhammad, a descendant of the Shabankara chieftain Fadluya. Fadluya was initially a commander of the Salghurids of Fars and was appointed governor of Kuhgiluya, but eventually gained independence in Lorestan and extended his realm as far as Isfahan.

Safavid era

During the Safavid era, Khorramabad was the administrative center of Lorestan province.

In the wake of the demise of the Safavids, after the signing of the Treaty of Constantinople (1724) with Imperial Russia, the Ottoman Turks conquered Khorramabad on the 6 September 1725.

Demographics

Language

The city population is predominantly Lur and the largest Luri-speaking city in the country.

The linguistic composition of the city:

Population

At the time of the 2006 National Census, the city's population was 328,544 in 75,945 households. The following census in 2011 counted 348,216 people in 94,747 households. The 2016 census measured the population of the city as 373,416 people in 109,231 households.

Geography

Khorramabad is in the Zagros Mountains. Khorramabad Airport is 3 km south of the city proper.

Climate

Khorramabad has a mild and semi-humid Mediterranean climate with high amounts of rainfall during spring and winter. It is the sixth cities in Iran having high level of annual rainfall.

Khorramabad has what is classed under the Köppen climate classification as a Hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa) climate. Its elevation is 1147.8 above sea level. Average annual precipitation is 511.06 and its average annual temperature is 17.21 Celsius.

Highest recorded temperature: on 14 August 1960 and 23 July 1961<br />Lowest recorded temperature: on 25 January 1990.

Historical monuments

alt=|left|thumb|303x303px|[[Brick Minaret of Khorramabad]]

Brick minaret

The Brick Minaret is a cylindrical brick tower from the Seljuk and Buyid eras located inside the ancient city of Shapur khast, south of Khorramabad.

This minaret is a combination of the Indian Stupa, commemorative columns, and the Central Asian tradition of tower building for defensive and communication purposes.

Sahpuri Bridge

Shapuri Bridge dates back to the Sasanian era and is registered on the list of National Monuments.

Attractions

Khorramabad is a major tourist destination and possesses several attractions, such as five Paleolithic cave-dwelling sites which were recognised in 2025 as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Colleges and universities

thumb|Islamic Azad University of Khorramabad

  • Islamic Azad University of Khorram Abad
  • Lorestan University
  • Lorestan University of Medical Sciences
  • Madanni Technical College

Sister cities and twin towns

{|class="wikitable"

|-

! colspan=2 | Country

!City

!State / Province / Region / Governorate

! colspan="2" |Date

|-

|

|Turkey

|Afyonkarahisar

|Afyonkarahisar Province

| colspan="2" |2015

|-

|

|Japan

|Yamagata

|Yamagata Prefecture

|October 2013

|December 2020

|}

<gallery class="center" mode="packed-hover" heights="150">

File:منطقه نوژیان.jpg|Nojian oak forest, Khorramabad County

File:Makhmalkuh.jpg|Makhmalkuh Khorramabad County

File:Falak ol aflak panorama.jpg|Shapur Khast castle

File:Kiau Lake 7829.jpg|Keeyow Lake, Khorramabad

File:Khoramabad sarbazkhane.jpg|Sarbaz khaneh building

File:Pahlavi Building in Khorramabad 2014.jpg|Building in Khorramabad

File:Bisheh waterfall.jpg|Bisheh waterfall, Khorramabad County

File:Khorramabad2014.jpg|Khorramabad

</gallery>

See also

  • List of World Heritage Sites in Iran
  • Khaydalu

Notes

References

  • Khorramabad municipality