Kolji Village

Kolji is a village in the Oraman District of Sarvabad County, Kurdistan Province. It lies in Shalyar Rural District, in the mountainous Oramanat area, facing Mount Kusalan. The village sits on top of a high rock face with views over the Sirvan River; its mountain setting among the heights is one of its most distinctive natural features. The people of Kolji speak Hawrami, and local accounts attribute the founding of the village to the migration of its residents after Islam arrived in the region. According to the 2006 census (1385 SH), Kolji had a population of 332 in 80 households. The village has piped water, electricity, gas, landline telephones, a sewage system, a primary school, a mosque and a village administration (dehyari) building.

One of Kolji's most important natural and cultural attractions is the summer pasture of "Hawar Gol" (هه‌وار گۆڵی) above the village. Its history is tied to that of the village itself, and it has long been where the villagers move seasonally. From late spring to late autumn the residents migrate to this pasture, and this seasonal movement is part of the traditional way of life in the region. The route to the village, a dirt forest road running through oak woodland, also offers a different view of the Oramanat landscape. Orchards and local produce such as grapes, walnuts, mulberries, pomegranates, almonds and figs are part of the village's natural resources and livelihood, and species such as wild goat, chukar partridge, squirrel, hare, fox and other local wildlife add to the biodiversity around Kolji. The village's position opposite Kusalan and its views of the Sirvan River also make it a worthwhile destination in Oramanat for nature lovers, photographers and anyone who enjoys mountain scenery.

To reach Kolji, take the road from Paveh toward Marivan and Sarvabad, and before reaching the village of Navin, turn onto the marked side road toward Kolji. The final section of the route is a dirt forest road that passes through oak woodland. Because the area is mountainous, late spring to summer and early autumn are good times to visit and enjoy the countryside around Kolji, especially when the villagers are at the Hawar Gol pasture. While in the area, avoid damaging the oak trees and other vegetation, leaving litter, lighting fires without fully extinguishing them, and entering local fields and orchards without permission. Keep a suitable distance from wildlife along natural trails.