Kermanshah (Persian: کرمانشاه, Kermānshāh, Gorani Kurdish: کرماشان or Kirmaşan), is the capital city of Kermanshahan Province, located 525km from Tehran in the western part of Iran and it is about 120km from the border of Iraq. Kermanshah has a continental climate. The estimated population of the city is 822,921(year 2005) and the majority of the inhabitants speak Persian as well as Kalhori dialects of Kurdish. The religion of the people is very diverse and there are many Muslims, Assyrians, Bahá'ís, Jews, and Armenians living in Kermanshah but Shi'a Muslims are leading in the number.

Khosrow Parviz is standing here. On his left is Ahura Mazda, on his right is Anahita, and below is, Khosrau dressed as a mounted Persian knight riding on his favourite horse, Shabdiz.

Taq-e Bostan

One of the most impressive reliefs inside the largest grotto or ivan is the gigantic equestrian figure of the Sassanid king Khosrau II (591-628 CE) mounted on his favorite charger, Shabdiz. Both horse and rider are arrayed in full battle armor.

The arch rests on two columns that bear delicately carved patterns showing the tree of life or the sacred tree. Above the arch and located on two opposite sides are figures of two winged angles with diadems.

Around the outer layer of the arch, a conspicuous margin has been carved, jagged with flower patterns. These patterns are also found in the official costumes of Sassanid kings.

Equestrian relief panel measured on 16.08.07 approx. 7.45m across by 4.25 m high