Uraman or Uraman Takht (also known as Huraman, Avroman, Owraman, Owraman Shahr, and Shehr-e-Avroman) is a village in Uraman Takht rural district, Sarvabad county, Kurdistan Province. The Uraman Takht Village is one of the attractive rural areas which besides its panoramic views has valuable tourism capacities because of the annual performance of an ancient and wonderful ceremony of Peer Shahriar.
Uraman village is located in an east-west valley on a steep slope overlooking the northern front of the Takht Mountains 75 km south of the city of Marivan. Since the village had been the center of the local rulers, it is called Uraman Takht, takht meaning throne in Persian. The climate of this region in spring and summer is very pleasant and it is very cold in winter. Terraced farms and stone architecture of terraced villages, where the roofs of one row of houses happens to be the courtyards of another row of houses situated on a higher level, add to the beauty of the region.
The name Huraman is derived from -hura and -man. Man means place or land; and Huraman is thought to mean the “Ahurayi land or the place of Ahura Mazda” or higher divine spirit. According to the people’s belief, Uraman used to be a big city and of great importance in the past, hence it was known as Takht (meaning throne) or the center of the government.
At an altitude of 1450 meters above the sea level, the village enjoys mild weather in spring and summer, and cold weather during fall and winter. Uraman is a vast and mountainous area of Zagros which includes the entire south of Kurdistan Province, and Uraman Takht village is a part of it.
The village is located on a steep slope facing the northern side of the Uramanat Mountain. Therefore just like Masuleh village, Gilan province, it has a dense and step-like residential area adding to its beauty and attractiveness. The roof of each house forms the yard of the upper one, and the walls are made without using any mortar, just by artistically putting pieces of stone on top of one another. The most frequently used materials in construction of buildings are stone and wood; and the wood is usually from walnut or plane trees.
The residents of the village are Sunni Muslims and speak in Urami or Hurami dialect of the Kurdish language. Most of Uraman Takht residents are farmers, gardeners, or raisers of livestock; while some of them work in the field of handicrafts. Among traditional arts and handicrafts of the people are various kinds of felt, cotton shoes, woolen rugs (called Jajim), wooden cutlery, windows, and doors. Just like the people of other villages of Kurdistan, residents of Uraman wear local Kurdish clothes, of bright and attractive colors and patterns.
Due to the tough climatic conditions, the customs and traditions of its people have remained pristine; the most significant of which is ‘Pir Shalyar’. It is a religious ceremony held on the last Wednesday and Thursday before mid-Bahman (early February) next to his mausoleum in Uraman Takht village. Pir Shalyar was a Zoroastrian priest and it is said to have embraced Islam later on.
Uraman Takht: Where Stone Whispers Ancient Tales and Hearts Beat to the Rhythm of Pir Shalyar
Uraman Takht, nestled amidst the emerald folds of the Zagros Mountains in Iran, is more than just a village perched on a steep slope. It’s a living tapestry woven from ancient whispers, breathtaking vistas, and a timeless cultural heartbeat that reverberates through every stone and melody. This “Ahura Mazda’s Land,” as some believe, is a symphony of history, tradition, and a community that clings to its heritage with tenacious spirit.
A Landscape Woven from Stone and Sky:
The first encounter with Uraman Takht is a visual symphony. Houses, built like steps ascending towards the heavens, cling to the mountainside, their stone walls bearing silent witness to centuries of stories. Roofs, doubling as courtyards for the row above, create a mesmerizing labyrinth of interconnected spaces, bathed in the golden light of the Kurdish sun. Each stone, meticulously placed, whispers tales of resilience and a deep understanding of harmony with nature.
Stepping Back in Time:
Uraman Takht is a museum come alive. Its narrow lanes, paved with timeworn cobblestones, echo with the rhythm of daily life. Women in vibrant Kurdish garb, adorned with intricate silver jewelry, tend to their gardens, their laughter mingling with the gurgling melody of ancient water channels. In the workshops, weathered hands weave magic with thread and wood, crafting carpets as rich in color as the history they embody.
The Soulful Song of Pir Shalyar:
But Uraman Takht’s true heartbeat lies in its traditions. The annual Pir Shalyar ceremony, held in the depths of winter, is a vibrant tapestry of faith, music, and communal spirit. Devotees, wrapped in warm cloaks, converge at the tomb of the revered Pir Shalyar, their voices rising in unison, chanting ancient melodies that pierce the cold air. The rhythmic drumbeat, echoing through the valleys, stirs the soul, a testament to a faith that thrives even in the harshest of climates.
More Than a Tourist Destination:
Uraman Takht is not just a destination to be ticked off on a map; it’s an experience to be absorbed, a story to be felt. It’s a place where time slows down, where the fragrance of freshly baked bread mingles with the scent of wild mountain herbs, and where the warmth of Kurdish hospitality melts away winter’s chill.
Whispers of Hope in the Mountains:
Beyond the beauty, Uraman Takht is a testament to human resilience. For centuries, its people have carved a life from the mountainside, adapting to the harshness of the land while nurturing their traditions. Their smiles, etched with the lines of hard work and hardship, shine with a hope that transcends earthly limitations.
A Legacy that Echoes
Uraman Takht is more than just a village; it’s a living legacy, a vibrant testament to the enduring power of culture, faith, and community. It’s a symphony of stone and sky, of ancient whispers and contemporary voices, a melody that resonates in the soul long after one leaves its embrace.
This expanded version delves deeper into the cultural and historical significance of Uraman Takht, exploring its unique architecture, vibrant traditions like Pir Shalyar, and the resilience of its people. It uses evocative imagery and personal reflection to capture the essence of the village not just as a tourist destination, but as a living community with a soul as rich and deep as the valleys that cradle it. By weaving together factual details, historical context, and personal anecdotes, this expansion aims to create a multi-sensory experience that transports the reader to the heart of Uraman Takht, leaving them with a sense of wonder and a deep appreciation for this hidden gem of the Zagros Mountains.
