Sanandaj is one of the main Kurdish cities in Iran. This city is the capital of Kurdistan province in the west of Iran, with people whose most prominent characteristic is “zealous”. The people of this region don’t speak Persian, but Kurdish, a language related to Persian and other Indo-European languages. The Kurdish version of this city is mostly called Ardalani or Sorani. In this video, we go to the city of Sanandaj, we see the famous streets of this city. We hear about Mastorah Ardalaniand, the first Kurdish historian and poet woman, and we go to the top of Abider Mountain.

Sanandaj is the capital of Kurdistan Province, which is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. It is located in the northwest of the country, near the border with Iraq. It has a population of about 414,000 people, most of whom are Kurds. Kurds have a rich and diverse culture, with their own music, literature, art, and traditions.

Sanandaj is a relatively young city, founded in the 17th century by the Ardalan dynasty, which ruled over Kurdistan until the 19th century. The city was originally Sisar, meaning “30 heads”, because it was built on the site of a battle where 30 heads of enemies were displayed. The name later changed to Sanandaj, which means “the place of giving” in Kurdish.

Sanandaj is situated at the foot of Mount Abidar, which is part of the Zagros mountain range. The city has a cold and semi-arid climate, with hot summers and snowy winters.

What to see in Sanandaj

The city is famous for its natural beauty and scenic views, as well as its historical and cultural attractions. Some of the places to visit in Sanandaj are:

• The Abidar Park, which is a large green area on the slopes of Mount Abidar. It offers recreational facilities, hiking trails, and panoramic views of the city.
• The Sanandaj Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of Kurdistan. It is in an old mansion that belonged to a prominent Kurdish family.
• The Khosro Abad Mansion, which is another historical building that was once the residence of a Kurdish prince. It has a distinctive architecture and decoration, with colorful tiles and paintings.
• The Qeshlaq Bridge, which is a stone bridge that crosses the Qishlaq River. It dates back to the Qajar era and is a symbol of Sanandaj.
• The Bazaar, which is the main market place of Sanandaj. It sells various goods and products, such as carpets, handicrafts, spices, fruits, and nuts.

Sanandaj is also famous for its carpet industry, which produces high-quality rugs with unique designs and colors. Carpets are an important part of Kurdish culture and identity, as they reflect their history, beliefs, and values. The city carpets are famous for their geometric patterns, floral motifs, and vivid hues.

Sanandaj is a city that offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse culture of Kurdistan. It is a place where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. It is a city that welcomes visitors with its hospitality and charm.

Visit this city with me, enjoy the cultural diversity and languages, and learn Persian language and beyond.

To visit Iranian people and learn about their culture and nature follow THIS LINK.

To learn Persian grammar, here you can find lessons on Persian Grammar.

Are you interested in learning Persian with music, HERE is where you can find many slow Persian songs with their lyrics.

Practice Dubbing the characters in Persian series HERE.

Listen to famous speeches from Iranian political figures, and learn about their mindset and a little bit of history through their talk HERE.

Listen to Persian podcasts in simple Persian HERE