Long Read
Networking Events and Professional Communities in Kermānshāh
so i landed in kermānshāh thinking it'd be all ruins and quiet, but the professional scene here? way more alive than i expected. if you're a freelancer, startup hustler, or just someone trying to connect, you'll find pockets of energy tucked between the bazaars and the mountains. here's what i've picked up so far, straight from the messy notebook of a digital nomad who still hasn't figured out the local bus routes.
what's actually happening here
*kermānshāh chamber of commerce hosts monthly meetups that feel less like stiff networking and more like family reunions. the last one i crashed had a guy pitching a solar irrigation startup and a woman selling handmade leather journals. no suits, just real talk.
university of kermānshāh brings in guest lecturers and startup pitch nights. if you're into tech or education, their events are gold. i heard about a coding bootcamp collab with a local software firm-worth checking if you're job hunting or upskilling.
random overheard gossip (aka "local tips")
> "the best connections happen after the official event, over tea in the courtyard."
> "don't bother with the big hotel conferences-go to the small gallery openings. that's where the real deals are made."
> "if someone offers you saffron tea, say yes. it's how they test if you're serious."
cost of living snapshot (march 2025)
| Item | Cost (IRR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared apartment rent | ریال 8,000,000/month | ~$15 |
| Coworking desk/day | ریال 300,000 | ~$0.60 |
| Meal at local eatery | ریاال 150,000 | ~$0.30 |
| Taxi ride across town | ریال 50,000 | ~$0.10 |
based on unofficial street rate
safety & logistics
kermānshāh is generally safe, but like anywhere, keep your wits. the city sits close to the iraq border, so politics can flare. locals told me to avoid discussing regional tensions at events-stick to business, food, and football. rent is stupid cheap, but internet can be patchy; coworking spaces often have better speeds than home wifi.
events calendar (unofficial)
- first thursday of the month: chamber of commerce mixer at the old caravanserai (check their website)
- every other saturday: tech pitch night at kermanshah tech hub
- random gallery nights: follow instagram kermanshah art for pop-up shows
weather & nearby escapes
right now it's early spring-think crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and the kind of light that makes everything look like a movie. if you need a break from networking, hamedan is a short drive east with cooler air and ancient vibes, or head south to ahvaz for a totally different pace.
final drunk advice
don't overthink it. show up, drink the tea, swap stories, and follow up with a voice note instead of a formal email. the best connections here aren't made in boardrooms-they're made over shared plates of dandeh kebab* and late-night chats about the next big idea.
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