Bandar Abbas (literary meaning the Port of Abbas) is the largest port city in Iran and the capital of Hormozgan province, on the Strait of Hormuz, the main marine outlet for much of southern Iran and is considered as the gateway to other countries through the Persian Gulf. Because of the two Shahid Rajaei Port and Shahid Bahonar Port which are important transition ports, and the big number of industrial centers and factories, Bandar Abbas Port is known as one of the most significant economical and trading centers in Iran and the Middle East. The city is located 1287 kilometers away from Tehran, and its population is about 526,648 according to the last census in Iran. Because of its historical importance, rich and untouched culture, and wonderful nature, Bandar Abbas and other towns and islands of Hormozgan Province are very attractive travel destinations.
The History of Bandar Abbas
The earliest evidence of Bandar Abaas dates back to the reign of the king Darius I (521- 486 BC) while one of his commanders embarked from this port to the Red Sea! In 1514 the area, which was named Gamberon, got conquered by the Portuguese army as it was a strategic spot for controling their commerce from India. In 1623, Shah Abbas I (1588- 1629 AD) took back the region from the Portuguese army and called this port Bandar Abbas (Port of Abbas) and it was replaced the city of Hormuz which was occupied by Portuguese since 1514. During the 17th century Bandar Abbas was the main port of Persia, however it lost this status in the 18th century to the rival “Port of Bushehr. During the Pahlavi Period, King Mohammad Reza payed more attention to this place and spent a lot for reconstructing its infrastructures which made Bandar Abbas one of the most important shipping points of Iran, mostly for imports.
The Geography and Climate of Bandar Abbas
With altitude of 0-5 meters above sea level, Bandar Abbas is located between the Zagros Mountain Range from the north and the Persian Gulf from the south. Summer climate in Bandar Abbas is severely hot and humid, and many inhabitants prefer to move to cooler places during this season. Maximum temperature in summers can reach 49 °C (120 °F) with the average of 65% of Humidity, while during winter the weather is mild and pleasant with very low amount of rainfall and no snowfall.
Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art
Handicrafts and local art, seafood, local music and song are the main cultural characteristics of the city of Bandar Abbas. However, handicrafts and local arts are the oldest and most outstanding creative industries within the city and include three main categories:
- practical and marine crafts
- local clothing
- local musical instruments.
All these factors were the reason that in 2019 Bandar Abbas was designated as Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, by UNESCO.
It should be mentioned that the art and crafts industry plus export with annual turnover of about $US 3.5 million are among the most important parts of the city's economy. they generate about 8000 direct and indirect job opportunities in the fields of production, distribution, advertising, sales, export, and training of local industries.