Baneh

Historically, Baneh had a strategic and political importance due to its close proximity to the Ottoman Empire. The city was part of the three Kurdish principalities; Ardalan, Baban and Mokryan.[8]

The old city had two citadels and was generally ruled by the Eḵtīār-al-Dīn family who held both religious and secular power of the city. The family was held in high steem during the Safavid era and received the title 'sultan'. Moreover, rulers of Baneh had the responsibility of protecting the whole area from Khoy to Kermanshah. In the 16th century, Mīrzā Beg b. Mīr Moḥammad became the first virtually independent ruler of Baneh and its surroundings.[8]

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the city was plagued with epidemics which killed a large portion of the population. In 1944, the city experienced turmoil as part of the Hama Rashid revolt and was also bombed by both parties during the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s. Most locals fled to Iraq during the war and much of the region was destroyed.[8]

The population is mostly Shafiʽi Kurdish who speak Sorani.[8]

• Ebrahim Younesi, writer and translator
• Bahman Ghobadi, director and writer
• Ata Nahaei, novelist and translator
• Ebrahim Alipour, photographer
• Keywan Karimi, director

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  View of the city from Dokanan Park
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  View of Arbaba on a winter's day
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  Baneh by day
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  Shahr Park in spring
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  Haleh International 5-Star hotel
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  Behesht Shopping Center
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  Aftab Derakhshan shopping center
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  Sooren plain and forest
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  Arbaba forest
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  Snow covered Kali Khan

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