About Province
Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. It lies in the southwestern part of the country and its capital is Shahrekord.
The province was put as part of Region 2 upon the division of the provinces into 5 regions solely for coordination and development purposes on June 22, 2014.
It has an area of 16,421 square kilometers, and had a population of 895,263 in 2011.
About Shahrekord
Shahrekord is the capital city of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. It is the largest city in the province, and is located 97 kilometers southwest of Iran's third largest city, Isfahan.
Shahrekord is at a distance of 521 km (324 mi) southwest from Tehran.
Geographical features
Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, the highest province in Iran, has more than 1,000 sprinkler springs, due to the accumulation of snow in the highlands of the province, causing the most famous permanent rivers of southwest and central Iran, Karoon, Zayandehrood and Dez from the heights of this province.
Shahrekord is Iran’s highest capital city at 2,070 m (6,790 ft) above the sea level. This led the city to be known as “Roof of Iran”.
Shahrekord is known for its natural environment, cold winters, waterfalls and rivers. Its weather is cold in winter and mild in summer.
Tourism Attractions
The natural sources of mineral waters (with 10% of the country's water resources) and the plain of reversed tulips are some of natural attraction that makes this province an ideal destination for tourists from all around the world.
The province has a ski resort (Bardeh) located about 35 km (22 mi) away from Shahrekord. and several natural lagoons and small lakes for outdoor activities.
The stone inscriptions known as the worldview illustration and the bridge of God are among historical monuments in this province.
The reversed tulip plain is located 12 km away from Cheljord and near the village of Binastakki, which is located in the Koohrang district of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province.
Chama Ice Cave is one of the most exceptional tourist attractions in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. With its unique features, this ice cave is one of the rarest and most spectacular caves in Iran, attracting a large number of tourists from all over the world. A massive source of fresh water running from under the icy layers of the Chama ice cave, makes this cave largest fresh water source in Iran.
In Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, there is a protected area called Tang Sayyad, which is considered as a national park and a natural habitat for various creatures. Due to its large number of hills, Tang Sayyad has become favorable habitat for wildlife species including 24 species of mammals (which 4 of them are endangered) and 70 species of birds.
The main souvenirs of the city are often dairy and honey, almonds and gaz. Travelers who travel to Shahr-Kord take souvenirs with almonds, sour cherry sauce, and squash and sweet cherries. Travelers can also enjoy diverse local and traditional cuisine while visiting this province.
The most popular food in this area is a special kind of grilled meat, known as Bakhtiari kebab, which is very popular among tourists. Bakhtiari kebab is made from fillet of sheep, chicken breasts, peppers, medium onions, olive oil, garlic powder and saffron cooked on fire, making the most delicious grilled meat.
Facilities
Shahrekord Airport is a domestic airport located to the south of the city. It currently has flights to and from two of the largest cities in Iran: Tehran and Mashhad.
Shahrekord is also located in the vicinity of Isfahan Shahid Beheshti International Airport, located in Isfahan province. According to the latest figures in 2016, 23,040 meetings and take-offs took place at this airport, with 2,593,414 passengers and 24,128,528 kilograms (53,194,298 lb) of cargo transported through it.
There are three Public and state universities in the city of Sharekord, including Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences (SKUMS) with 2424 students, Shahrekord University (SKU) with 1,690 students and Islamic Azad University of Shahrekord (IAUSHK) with 7,400 students.