SANANDAJ

city, northwestern Iran, at an elevation of 4,990 feet (1,521 m). It was called Sisar, meaning thirty heads, in the itineraries of Ibn Khurdazib and Qudameh. The population is mostly Kurds and a few Armenians. During the Iran-Iraq War, the city was attacked by Iraqi planes and also saw disturbances by Kurds. Industries produce carpets, processed hides and skins, milled rice, and sugar. Woodworking, cotton weaving, and the making of metalware and cutlery constitute the handicrafts. Roads link Sanandaj with Marivan, Saqqez, Baneh, and Bijar. The city has a fortress built during 'Abbasid rule (AD 7501258) and a government telegraph station. Pop. (1986) 204,537.