Tour Pir Shaliar

About this tour

orama or Hawraman, in terms of etymology, signifies ‘home,’ ‘place,’ or ‘land.’ Local inhabitants believe that this region was once a grand metropolis with a distinctive center and a divine dominion. Consequently, they regard it as the ‘throne’ or ‘center’ of the Hawraman region.

The ceremony of Pir Shalyar takes place annually in the village of Hawraman (Ouraman Takht) in Kurdistan during the mid-winter season. The ‘wedding’ of Pir Shalyar is celebrated over three days. The shrine of Pir Shalyar, a disciple of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani, is situated at the end of the asphalted road leading to Hawraman. This ceremony involves the sacrifice of livestock, playing the daf (a type of frame drum), consuming a special type of soup, and nightly gatherings for recitation of hymns and prayers (dhikr).

The origin of Pirshalyar ceremony

In the folklore of the Ouramanat region, there is a legendary figure known as Pir Shalyar. It is said that he was a follower of Abdul Qadir Gilani, a renowned Sufi mystic and poet of the 5th and 6th centuries.

The story goes that Shah Bahar Khatun was deaf and mute, an

d all physicians had failed to cure her. Eventually, the fame of Pir Shalyar reached Bukhara. The King of Bukhara made a vow that whoever could heal his daughter would be able to marry her. Finally, the King’s uncle, along with several of his entourage, set out towards Ouraman. As they approached the village of Ouraman Takht, the girl miraculously regained her hearing.

The story doesn’t end there. As they approached Pir Shalyar’s house, they were startled by the roar of a demon. The demon fell from a furnace, which the locals now call the ‘furnace of demons,’ located near Pir Shalyar’s house. The demon died, and at the same moment, Shah Bahar Khatun regained her speech. The King married his daughter to Pir Shalyar, and the people held a grand wedding celebration for Pir Shalyar and Bahar Khatun. The ceremony that is held today commemorates the anniversary of that day.

This ceremony is held at two different times. The Pir Shalyar ceremony, which is held in mid-February, is known as ‘Zamavon’ and signifies social order and community participation in this social and cultural event. The symbols and rituals of the ceremony are also a way to let go of attachments and embark on a path of inner purification and salvation. In fact, this ritual not only connects believers with a shared faith but also fosters a connection between people and God. The ceremony is held over three days in the Ouraman Takht region of Kurdistan.

The Pir Shalyar ceremony in mid-May, known as “Komsay,” takes place on the last Friday before the middle of May in Ouraman and is also known as the ceremony of breaking the sacred stone. The ceremony begins at dawn at the shrine of Pir Shalyar and includes the recitation of Fatiha, playing the daf (a type of frame drum), singing talileh, and breaking the stone.

Decisions about occupations such as village headman, water carrier, shepherd, Friday prayer leader, and others, as well as discussions about the village’s shortages and problems, take place during this gathering. The ceremony begins on Wednesday and lasts for three days. First, walnuts are harvested from Pir Shalyar’s garden and sent to the villagers.

From the very first morning, the herders who have vowed to sacrifice their animals in this ceremony bring them to the front door of Pir Shalyar’s house to be slaughtered by the ceremony’s officials. After the slaughter, a portion of the meat is distributed among the people as a blessing, and some of it is also taken to Pir’s house for the ceremonial meal.

In the afternoon, the dafs (drums) are prepared once more. Around 2-3 pm, the ceremony begins. Teenagers, young people, and the elderly join hands to form a large chain, demonstrating their unity. During this joyous dance (which is also a kind of mystical dance), some play the daf, others recite poems in praise of the Prophet and so on, while the large dancing group hums the word “Allah.”

During these three days, the people of Hawraman Takht suspend their work and spend their time in this ancient celebration. The ceremonial food is joosh or holuchine tashi, the same food that was cooked 950 years ago in Pir Shalyar’s ceremony. After eating, people return to their homes. They take the leftover food to their homes so that other family members can eat it as a blessing.

Address: Kurdestan Province, Southeast of Marivan city, Hooraman Takht 4-Day Hooraman Kurdistan Tour: Pir Shalyar Ceremony Dates: Mid-February Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, VIP bus, official permit, insurance Capacity: 10 people Price per person: 9,200,000 [Insert currency]