Hormozgan Province in Iran
About Hormozgan
Hormozgan is a province located in the south of Iran. It covers an area of 70, 697 km2, facing Oman and UAE. This province has more than 10 ports, 14 islands, 3 international airports, commercial and industrial zones, tourist attractions and so on that makes it one of the most outstanding provinces of Iran.
Hormozgan has 12 cities, 26 towns, 34 districts, and almost 81 villages. This province is bordered by sea (Persian Gulf) which is one of the most prominent poles of fishery in Iran. Also due to its warm climate, Hormozgan has second place in date production. There are many attraction sites in the province. Bandar Abbas is Its provincial capital which is one of Iran’s 20 biggest cities. In social terms, this province is considered to be within high-ranking places and different ethnicities, each with their own special culture, have added to the cultural richness of it. Besides this in terms of tourism, it has several natural and historical attractions.
The Land of Harra Mangroves
As mentioned already, this province is located in the south of Iran, bordering the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. The Strait of Hormoz, which is one of the most important water passageways in the world, is within the territory of this province. The heights of Hormozgan province are the continuation of the Zagros Mountains.
Hormozgan has a hot and dry climate and is greatly influenced by the desert weather conditions of central Iran. The economy of the province is based on agriculture, fishing industries, and commerce. The two free zone ports of the Kish and Qeshm islands play a major role in the economy of this area. There are beautiful beaches for swimming, water skiing, boat riding, and also oyster and coral hunting. It has been a place for different ethnicities over the centuries.
However, the common language is Persian, some groups of people speak their local dialects or the Arabic language. Men’s clothing consists of a long white gown-like garment and women’s clothing is usually a long dark dress with decorated pants. In almost all of the southern provinces of Iran women put on a mask to protect their faces from the hot sun and also in religious aspects, it covers their face and appearance too. Local dances of this province are Zarif, Kodayi, and Latifi. We can mention carpet weaving, coarse blanket weaving, basket weaving, needle-work, and marine handicrafts as common handicrafts of this region.
It is interesting to know that Hormozgan province embraces scenic islands among which Kish, Hormoz, Hengam, and Qeshm which are the most beautiful ones.
Kish Island
Kish island is one of the small islands in the Persian Gulf. However, it is of the picturesque coral islands of the world and it is the pearl of the Persian Gulf. Its gorgeous beaches are good places to swim in the blue-gem waters of the gulf. It has many historical sites as well. Kish has a very hot climate due to geographical and regional conditions. In Kish, you will rarely see rain except in winter and the form of rainstorms.
Hormoz Island
Hormoz Island is like a piece of paradise in the Persian Gulf. It attracts many tourists by its silver sand shores, colorful mountains, and great local people. Rainbow Island knows as the beautiful place in Hormuz Island and it is located in the Persian Gulf. Visiting this amazing island is a must which often, unfortunately, gets left off most travel itineraries. Life on Hormuz is still very much traditional and all people are centered in the main and only village of Hormuz.
Hengam Island
Hengam Island has scenery rocky shores, serene sunset, kind natives, delicious samosa, and colorful fish; one can enjoy a relaxing trip by spending time on this tranquil island. This island has salt, soil, and Lead mines. Fishing used to be the only economic activity in this island, but by the existence of the tourists who are willing to see the natural beauties of the island, locals try to serve them as well. The British portal facilities are a very interesting place to see.
Watching dolphin groups around the island, swimming, and diving, watching sea turtles, beautiful rock and sand coasts, are the sea attractions in Hengam. The unique nature, Deer, and the only crocodile park in the country are the attractions in the island. the crocodile park is the best and most beautiful tourist attraction there. There are facilities for tourists to stay in the park.
Qeshm Island
Qeshm is the largest island located in the Strait of Hormoz and it has many wonderful cultural and natural attractions such as Chahkooh canyon, and Star Valley. There are lots of things to amaze tourists and make a perfect trip for them. It is of special interest to those who seek both distinctive geography and a taste of what culture in the Persian Gulf is like.
Portuguese Castle
This castle is located in the northeast of Hormoz Island. It was built at the order of a Portuguese king. There are two protecting walls with towers on each side and there is a deep canal behind the walls. They are made of coral stones, stones, and plaster, like buildings of the Sassanid era.
Hondurha Temple
This temple was built in the 1870s at the time of Mohammad Hassan Khan Sa’d ol-Molk. This temple consists of a square room with a dome on top. There are beautifully carved stone columns around the dome. This structure is greatly influenced by Indian architecture.
Harra Mangroves
These mangroves are located between Khamir port and Qeshm Island lying in a large area. The scenery of this place is unique as in high tides all the trees disappear underwater and in low tides, they come out of the water and look like small islands.
Haji Abad Thermal Spring
The thermal spring is located 30 kilometers east of the town of Haji Abad, at the foothills of a mountain. The water of this spring flows through limestones; Therefore, it is rich in sulfur.
Historical Attractions:
Kalaleh Farangi structure, Laft and Khamir Castles in Bandar Abbas, Lashtan Castle in Bandar Lengeh, the Portuguese Castle, and Kuleghan ancient hill in Qeshm Island and Hormoz ancient city.
Natural Attractions:
Ganu Mineral springs and hot springs, Mangro Forest and Genu Wild Animal Preservation Area in Bandar Abbas, Badun, Asak, Malaiji, Charak, Faryab, and Fetviyeh hot springs, Haji Abad hot springs, Deh-e Sheikh in Haji Abad and Shutar Island Wild Animal Preservation in Lavan.
Religious Attractions:
Followings are the most important religious attractions of Hormozgan Province: Dejkan, Manbar, and Jame’ (Friday-prayer) mosques, Shah Mohammad Taghi, and Khajeh Khezr holy shrines in Bandar Abbas, Malek Ibn Abbas Mosque in Bandar Lengeh, Bibi Maryam, and Seyed Mozaffar shrines, and Qeshm Friday Mosque.