Iranshahr County is located in the central part of Sistan and Baluchestan Province. It borders Zahak and Khash Counties to the north and northeast, Mehrestan County to the southeast, Nikshahr and Sarbaz Counties to the south, Dalgan County to the west and southwest, and Kerman Province to the northwest.

Iranshahr County covers an area of 18,475 square kilometers (with an area of 3,230 square kilometers). The distance to the provincial center (Zahedan) is 345 kilometers, and its distance to the capital (Tehran) is 1,975 kilometers. Its altitude is 591 meters above sea level. The average annual rainfall in the county is 105.5 millimeters.

Iranshahr County has a hot climate and a hot and dry desert environment. The temperature in this county reaches 50 C in the summer, and the mean daily temperature is 32 C in summer and 14.5 C in winter.

The Bazaaman mountain range, with an altitude of 3,497 meters above sea level, is considered the highest elevation in the province after Mount Taftan. Mount Khezr is the most important peak of the Bazaaman mountain range. The Bazaaman volcano is semi-active, and the Bazaaman hot spring phenomenon is one of its effects. Another famous mountain in the region is Hamout, located in the central district.

The main water supply sources for the county are the seasonal and permanent Daaman and Bampur Rivers, which originate from the Karvandarr highlands and, after covering a distance of 170 kilometers, flow into the Jazmourian sand region. The Kenarou seasonal river originates from the Birak Mountain highlands and ends at Jazmourian.

Iranshahr has 330 villages (Central 197 – Bampur 66 – Bazaaman 67) and 3 Districts (Bampur, Markazi/Central, Bazaaman). It also has 7 Rural Districts (Dehestans): In the Central District (Abter, Daaman, and Houmeh Dehestans, centered in Shahderaz); in the Bampur District (Bampur-e Gharbi centered in Ghasemabad, and Bampur-e Sharghi centered in Nokjoob); and in the Bazaaman District (Ab-e Ra'is centered in Masjed Abulfazl, and Bazaaman Dehestan centered in Guimaan).

The most important strategic product of Iranshahr County is dates. Products cultivated on a large scale include cereals, summer crops, and market garden products (wheat, alfalfa, corn, chickpeas, beans, sesame, onions, tomatoes, watermelon, sunflower, melon, cucumber), and horticultural products like citrus (lemon and orange, which are cultivated in the Bazaaman, Houdiyan, Daaman, and Abter Rural Districts).

The common handicrafts in this county are Soodoozi (needlework), Polakdozi (sequined embroidery), Hassirbafi (mat weaving), Gelim Bafi (Kelim weaving), and Sikkehdozi (coin embroidery).

Historical Background of Iranshahr County

Iranshahr, in the heart of Baluchestan, is the historic city of Pahrah, also recorded as Pura in some books. Pahrah literally means guarding or protecting, as Pahrah played the role of protecting and safeguarding the Makran region at the center of Baluchestan. Pahrah has also been called a "great city" and was a prosperous and lush region during the attack of Alexander the Great, but over time, it gradually deteriorated due to various reasons.

Compared to other counties in Baluchestan, Iranshahr contains the most numerous and most valuable remnants from the prehistoric era. This is due to its strategic location as a communication artery for the great civilizations of the eastern Iranian plateau during the 4th and 3rd millennia BC, as well as the existence of suitable environmental conditions and access to rich water sources, which made its various areas a proper habitat for humans, plants, and animals.

Ethnic Groups, Customs, and Traditions of Iranshahr County

Iranshahr is known as the "City of 72 Nations". Baloch tribes from all parts of the province, with numerous and various lineages, from the "Sarhadd" region in the north to Chabahar, reside here. The Birjandi, Sistani, Turk, Lor, Kurd, Shomali (Northern), Isfahani, Yazdi, and Kermani ethnic groups are the major inhabitants of this county. They live and work alongside the Baloch people with interaction and harmony in various affairs. The people of the county speak two languages: Baluchi and Farsi. The common regional dialects are Bampoori, Irandegaani, Abteri, Daamani, Bazaamani, Sarhaddi, Dalgaani, and Narmaashiri.

The warm climate of this region has made the hearts of its people warm and hospitable. The majority of the people are inward-looking, with tribal and clannish bonds, adhering to effective and positive cultures and customs such as Hashr (collective labor), Madad (help), Miyaar (pledge/protection), and Bajaar (collective financial support), which have resulted in constructive cooperation and solidarity among various clans and lineages.

Food in Iranshahr County

The main and most famous local foods and dishes of the county include: Tabaahag, Tanoorcheh, Shilaanch, Aab Anar, Doogh Baa, Souzi, Kaaboli, Zirak Aab, Changaal, Pashk, Kouhal, Hireh, and others.

Source: Sistan and Baluchestan Governor General's Office Website