Hormozgan

Iran / Hormozgan / Bandar-e Abbas /
 province, first-level administrative division, draw only border

Hormozgan is one of the 30 provinces of Iran, located in the southern part of the country. It borders Sistan and Baluchistan province in the east, Kerman and Fars provinces in the north, Bushehr and Fars provinces in the west and Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman in the south. Hormozgan province covers an area of 70,669 km² and has a population of 1,314,667 (2005). The province has 14 islands located in the Persian Gulf, and 1,000 km (620 mi) of coastline. Hormozgan has 21 counties (or districts), 69 municipalities, and 2046 village and its center is Bandar Abbas.

The province is primarily mountainous, consisting of the southern tip of the Zagros range. It experiences a very hot and humid climate, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 120F (49C) in summers. There is very little precipitation year round.

Hormozgan is known to have had settlements during the Achaemenid era. The province is said to have been particularly prosperous between 241 BC and 211 BC, but is said to have grown even further in trade and commercial significance in the Islamic era. Marco Polo visited the port of Bandar Abbas in 1272 and 1293, and reported widespread trading in Persian jewelry, the ivory and silk of Indochina, and pearls from Bahrain in bazaars in the port of Hormuz.

In 1497, European colonialists landed in the region for the first time, headed by Vasco da Gama. In 1506, the Portuguese, led by Alfonso d'Albuquerque invaded the area with 7 warships, under the pretext of protecting their interests from Egypt and Venice. The port of Hormuz was at this time considered a strategic port for commercial interests in the Persian Gulf. They remained in the area, until Shah Abbas I was finally able to drive them out of the Persian Gulf with the aid of the British. The name of Bandar Abbas comes directly from the name of Shah Abbas I.

Hormozgan today has 11 ports, 5 national airports, and 3 international airports. The province has an active agriculture sector, ranking first in Iran in lime production and second in date production. It also produces 30% of Iran's fishery. Hormozgan has two free trade zones, one in Kish, the other on Qeshm island.

The Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran lists 212 sites of historical and cultural significance in Hormozgan. Some of the more popular attractions are Emarat e Kolah Farangi (built by and during the Dutch occupation), the Portuguese Castle in Hormoz Island, The Hindu temple, Latidan Bridge, Hara marine forests, Kish and Qeshm Islands.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   27°12'8"N   55°57'31"E

Comments

  • Polygon by shbn
  • Photos 1-3 from Wikipedia in Public Domain. Photos 4-7 from panoramio.com by sohrab alizadeh