Saed News: The Pir Shaliar ritual is held every year in mid-May and mid-February in the Uraman Takht region of Kurdistan, and includes sacrificial animal slaughter, daf drumming, nocturnal gatherings, and prayers.
Saed News: The traditional Pir Shaliar wedding (Zamawan) ceremony is held every year in mid-February in the Uraman Takht region, where not only the local people but also residents from surrounding villages participate. What stands out the most at this event is the large number of photographers and tourists from various cities in Iran, as well as foreign guests and reporters. Rooted in ancient myths, beliefs, and rituals, the event marks the anniversary of the legendary wedding of Pir Shaliar.
Uraman, known for its ancient customs, terraced structure, and unique beauty, has been nationally recognized and hosts many tourists throughout the year. This region is becoming a tourist hub, with the influx of guests, especially during the Pir Shaliar festival, transforming it into a tourism-recreational space. To learn more about the ancient Pir Shaliar ceremony, stay with us.
The spiritual-ritual ceremony of Pir Shaliar is held annually during the second week of February in Uraman or Hooraman. The locals refer to it as "Pir Shaliar's Wedding." Although the event's name is a wedding, it is actually a time for prayers, offerings, and rituals. This ceremony has historical roots, with some historians dating it back a thousand years.
The festivities of Pir Shaliar are deeply intertwined with the identity of the Uraman region, and the organizers come from various tribes of Uraman Takht and surrounding villages. They have an unwritten agreement to divide the responsibilities of organizing the event among themselves. The ceremony lasts for three days, during which the people of Uraman Takht halt their regular activities to focus on this ancient ritual.
The Uraman Takht region is renowned for its ancient rituals, terraced village structure, and unique beauty. The Pir Shaliar ceremony includes rituals symbolizing letting go of attachments and walking the path of inner purification and salvation. It brings together both people of shared faith and creates a bond between the community and God.
According to the people of Uraman, Pir Shaliar was a holy figure who performed miracles. For example, it is said that he healed the deaf daughter of the King of Bukhara. When the doctors failed, the king promised to marry his daughter to the person who healed her. News of Pir Shaliar's miracles reached Bukhara, and eventually, the king's aides came to Uraman. The daughter regained her hearing near the Uraman Takht village, and when they reached Pir Shaliar’s house, a demon fell from the "Demon’s Chimney" and was killed. With the demon's death, the princess was healed and began speaking. The king fulfilled his promise, marrying his daughter to Pir Shaliar and holding a grand wedding. The ceremony held today is believed to be the anniversary of that event.
Uraman Takht is located in the southeast of Marivan city in Kurdistan, about 60 km from the provincial capital. The region includes Uraman Takht city and 76 villages, and the Pir Shaliar ceremony is held in Uraman Takht.
The ceremony involves various activities such as prayers, sacrifices, traditional dances, and spiritual gatherings. Notably, the event includes the preparation and sharing of traditional foods, community participation in rituals, and the performance of ancient dances and drumming.
Pir Shaliar’s legacy continues to thrive in the heart of Uraman, where the region’s historic roots merge with modern tourism, making it a cultural and spiritual destination for visitors from around the world.
