Qeshm Island

Qeshm Island

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Qeshm Island and Its Amazing Beauties

Qeshm, the Largest Island in the Persian Gulf

Qeshm Island includes many cultural and natural sights, which we will introduce in the following.

The island has a warm and humid climate, pristine nature and traditional urban structure. That is why it is one of the most important tourist destinations in Iran. Therefore, do not forget to visit Qeshm Island during your trip to Iran. It is important to know that the best time to visit this island is winter and early spring. It is also the largest island in Iran and the Persian Gulf, which has become a free trade zone today.

Qeshm is also known as the first Geopark in the Middle East, which was supported by UNESCO in 2006. As a result of Qeshm Geopark registration in UNESCO, the ground for the increasing development of tourism and employment has been provided for the natives of Qeshm.

The island was an important center of sailing and the source of freshwater for ships in the past. People of the island were also taught how to live in difficult conditions. Therefore, 366 wells in square, rectangular and conical shape were dug, one of which were used every day of the year. In the same way, they stored rainwater and kept it cool and safe.

Fishermen in Qeshm Island

 

Rituals and Customs of People on Qeshm Island

The People of Qeshm Island have many cultural similarities with the people of Hormoz, Lark and Hengam Islands.

The culture of the people of this island is less changed, and they adhere to their traditions and customs. Therefore, Qibla prayers and Nowruz Sayad Ceremonies are still held on this island.

In Qeshm, Qibla of Prayer Ceremony is held in a drought by the island's religious leader under a tree. At the end, food is distributed among the poor.

Nowruz Sayad Ceremony, dating back to 600 years ago, is held in late August, the beginning of fishing New Year. Above all, no fisherman catches or eats any fish in this ceremony to the honor of the sea

one of the traditional markets of Qeshm Island

 

An Overview of Qeshm Island History

Qeshm Island has a history of ups and downs and has also been so important strategically since the Elamite era. The island has been one of the main centers of controlling the Maritime Silk Road. In addition, stone, wood and shell tools have been found on the island, which date back to 400,000 years ago. Darius the Great, the Achaemenid king, gathered specialists on the island to build ships. As a result, the shipyard industry has flourished on the island since then.

Qeshm Island has witnessed people from different countries since long past.

In the 7th Century AC, the island witnessed the presence of Arabs. As a result, the Zoroastrians inhabitants of the island had to migrate to Africa, Zanzibar and India. The Portuguese were also the first Europeans who entered Qeshm Island in the 16th century and remained there for about a century. Finally, the last groups who entered the island were the Dutch and the British.

The history of the British presence on Qeshm Island dates back to the reign of Shah Abbas Safavid.

In the 17th century, Shah Abbas Safavid, with the help of British forces, drove the Portuguese out of Qeshm. Nevertheless, the island witnessed the presence of foreigners coming from Britain again in Qajar era. Eventually, by the formation of the Iranian navy, Iranians taken back the island in twentieth century. As a result, the local dialect of the island people, nowadays, is a combination of Persian, Bandari, Arabic, Hindi and English.

a historical monument of Qeshm Island

Geographical Features of Qeshm Island

Qeshm includes various ports and important small and large islands. The island, with an area of 1,500 km, consists of 15 ports dedicated to trade and fishing affairs. Moreover, Qeshm Island has a sultry (hot and humid) climate.

In addition, this island is a part of the southern Zagros Mountains (extending from the west to southwest of Iran).

one of the coast in Qeshm Island

 

The Diversity of Beaches on Qeshm Island

Qeshm Island has a variety of rocky and sandy beaches. Zeitoun Rocky Beach (literally means olive), Sandy beach and Simin beach (literally means silvery) are the most important ones. Among other beaches considered as the tourist attractions of this region, we can mention the rocky beach of "Rigo". At this beach, turtles come to the water surface to breathe and feed.

fishing boats in the beach

 

Qeshm Island Ecosystem

The most important vegetation of the island is Hara or Mangrove Tree. This tree grows in Mangrove Forests which is more than 2000 square kilometers. Other plants on the island are short like the shrubs growing in semi-desert areas.

The fauna of this island, the greatest island of Iran, is diverse. There are probably four species of bats living on the island, of which the fruit-eating bat is the largest in Iran. Approximately, four million migratory birds travel to the Persian Gulf, including about 173 species. Likewise, Sooty Falcon and Dalmatian pelican are rare birds that migrate to Iran every year.

Mangrove Forests in Qeshm Island

The Sights of Qeshm Geopark

Qeshm Geopark includes 25 Geosites. The most notable ones are Stars Valley, Tandis-ha Valley, Chahkooh Canyon, the Mangrove Forests, turtles nesting beach and the bird’s lagoon.

Stars Valley is an area eroded by surface water, raining and hurricanes. In addition, strong winds in this unique geological phenomenon create sounds that are the basis of local stories and legends. Moreover, the primary plateau is made of rock sand and full of fossil shells. As a result, pointed cones, erosive columns, arches and edges also make tangible changes in the morphology of the valley after each heavy rain.

Valleys, beaches, mountains, natural sculptures, geological folds and erosive ridges caused by wind and rain are all part of Qeshm Geopark. Qeshm Coral Islands are also among the most special and rare coral reefs in the world. Actually, these coral islands contribute to the life of the whole world.

Laft Port, a Historical Village on the Qeshm Island That is Known for Its Windcatchers

Laft Port, located on Qeshm Island, is known for its windcatchers. This village or port lies on the northwestern of the island and east of Hara Forests, and has a distinctive architecture. That is why it is a tourist hub.

The main reason for the windcatchers having been built in this area is blow of the monsoon. These windcatchers are so functional and constructed in two or four dimensions. They are also engraved with Arabesque patterns.

Laft Port

 

Traveling to Qeshm Island, the jewel of the Persian Gulf

Walking on the shores of the Persian Gulf in the cold winter is one of the most exciting activities that you are offered on your trip to Iran. Do not get surprised! This 4-season country provides the opportunity for you to have fun in light clothes in the winter. Qeshm Island is one of the most popular destinations in southern Iran.

1001 Nights Tours has provided the opportunity for you to visit the most important cities of Iran. In order to see the tours including this unique island click here. To read more about the tourist attractions of southern Iran click here. Do not forget that you can be in touch with our team via email to get more information about exclusive tours.

 

Country: IRAN
State: Hormozgan