Khorramabad

Khorramabad is the capital of Lorestan province in western Iran, situated in a valley of the Zagros Mountains about 62 miles from the border with Iraq at an elevation of 1,147 meters. The 2016 census recorded 373,416 residents. Its name, from the Persian khorram meaning flourishing and abad meaning cultivated settlement, translates roughly as pleasant abode. The surrounding region holds UNESCO recognized Paleolithic sites dating back 32,000 to 38,000 years, was home to the Neo-Elamite city of Khaydalu, was refounded by the Sasanians as Shapurkhwast, and later became capital of the independent Atabegs of Little Lorestan from 1184 to 1596. It is the largest Luri speaking city in Iran.