Abdanan is one of the important cities of Ilam province and the center of Abdanan county. This city is known for its pristine nature, fertile soil, and ancient attractions. Abdanan is located on the southern slopes of Kabirkoh and in the Abdanan River valley. Darehshahr is located to the northeast, Meymeh Dehloran to the north, Dehloran to the west, and Andimeshk to the south.
Abdanan has hot summers and cold winters, and experiences freezing weather for about 20 days in the winter and very hot weather for 20 days in the summer. Due to the presence of sufficient water and fertile soil, spring is the most beautiful and best season to travel to this region.
Abdanan was officially separated from Darehshahr in 1995 and registered as an independent county in the country’s divisions.
Although Abdanan has huge deposits of oil, gas, sulfur, and hot springs, these resources have not been exploited much, and currently the most important industry for the people of the region is agriculture and livestock raising.
Abdanan’s tourist destinations include historical and natural attractions. Hezardar Castle, Posht-e-Qala’eh, Hathlarani Castle, the remains of the ancient city of Julian (or in the local language, Zhilio), the historical complex of the Five Brothers of Murmur, the historical city of Tellur, and the historical city of Sarab are among the most important historical and ancient destinations of this city. Also, the twin lakes of Siahgav (Siag-O), Mahoteh Waterfall, Mezhare Cave, Chamchalan Tourist Area, and Dinarkuh Natural Resort constitute its natural attractions.
The location of this city and its location in the valley between the two mountains of Dinarkoh and Kabirkoh has made the roads connecting Abdanan to the surrounding areas and the center of the country difficult. The most important road connecting Abdanan to the surrounding areas is the Abdanan-Dareshahr road, which, despite being winding, has become one of the city’s tourist destinations in the spring with its beautiful and pristine scenery.
This special location and the difficulty of communication routes have, of course, also brought attractions to the region, including the pristine nature covered with oak trees, mountain almonds, mountain pistachios, hawthorns, mountain figs, and wild cherries.
The main population of this city is made up of the “Lur” and “Lak” ethnic groups, most of whose occupations are agriculture and animal husbandry, and their religion is Ja’fari Shia.
The nature of Abdanan is covered with mountain pistachio trees, which are called “Baneh” in the local language, and are among the foods that travelers bring as souvenirs from this city. Giveh, kilim, mountain honey, local sweets and breads, and tarkhineh are other souvenirs from Abdanan.
