Rezhaw or Piran Waterfall, located near the city of Rezhaw in the Kermashan province of the East part of Kurdistan, is one of the highest waterfalls in Kurdistan and the Middle East. Rezhaw is a city in Kermashan province, Iran, located 120 kilometers northeast of the province. It belongs to the town of Dalahu on the road between Kirn (Keren) and Sarpel (Sarpol-e Zahab).
This Waterfall is located 10 kilometers northwest of Sarpeli Zahaw town and in Zhalka village. Rezhaw or Piran Waterfall is the only and the highest staircase waterfall in Kurdistan and the Middle East. The waterfall was registered as a natural heritage site at the fourth meeting of the Iranian National Monuments Registration Policy Council.
The word “rezhaw” in Kurdish means to overflow with water. Regarding the official registration of this name by the Iranian state, in the registration of this natural heritage and in the signs placed to help tourists, the name “Rijab” is used. It is neither Kurdish nor Persian and is a meaningless word. This is a continuation of the Iranian state's language policies and the change of Kurdish names.
Rezhaw Waterfall is known for its three-tier structure. The rocks in the way of the waterfall divide it into three parts. The waterfall is about 150 meters high from the highest point to the ground and the highest part of the waterfall reaches 100 meters; therefore, Rezhaw Waterfall is one of the highest and according to some sources the highest staircase waterfall in Kurdistan, so its difference in height from top to bottom, that is, to the third floor determined by GPS is 180 meters. This waterfall has three tiers with the upper two very high and the lower tier lower. The third tier of the waterfall is covered in a forest and is not visible.
The rocks around this waterfall are very special and provide a good opportunity for rock climbers to hike; rock climbing on the rocks of Rezhaw Waterfall is one of the sporting features of the region that attracts a large number of climbers and hikers every year. The rocks are located in a way that is inaccessible to ordinary people and must be passed over by experienced rock climbers.
Rezhaw waterfall is located between the two villages of Rezhaw and Piran and near the two villages of Ban Zarda and Yaran. This particular area is mentioned in one of Mawlawi's poems.
Piran or Rezhaw Waterfall is one of the natural monuments that is located in a special area. In addition to this waterfall, there are other special monuments in this area, such as the tomb of Abu Dugyana, Dalahu Mountains, Yazdgerd Castle, and Anobanini inscription. Unfortunately, part of the waterfall was damaged by the 2018 earthquake in Sarpel and a number of large rocks blocked the water flow of this waterfall.
