city, northwestern Iran, at an elevation of 4,990 feet (1,521 metres). 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 Marīvān, Saqqez, Bāneh, and Bījār. The city has a fortress built during ʿAbbāsid rule (AD 750–1258) and a government telegraph station. Pop. (2006) 316,862.