Bandar ‘Abbās, Iran

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Bandar ‘Abbās, Iran

Region: Hormozgan

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Geographic Coordinates: 27.183300, 56.266700

Climate: Hot and dry summers, mild winters with occasional rainfall.

Population: 526648

Language: Persian

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Bandar ‘Abbās, Also known as Bandar-e ‘Abbās or simply Abbas Port, Is a major port city located in the southern province of Hormozgan, Iran. It is situated on the northern shore of the Strait of Hormuz and serves as an important gateway to the Persian Gulf. The city has a rich history dating back to ancient times and was once an important center for trade and commerce between Persia and other parts of the world.

Bandar ‘Abbās was founded during the Safavid dynasty in 1622 by Shah Abbas I as a strategic port for exporting goods from Persia to India, Africa, Europe, And other parts of Asia. The city quickly became an important center for trade due to its location near major sea routes that connected Persia with other regions. During this time, Bandar ‘Abbās was home to many wealthy merchants who built beautiful mansions along its streets. Today, Bandar ‘Abbās remains one of Iran’s most important ports and serves as a hub for international trade.

The city’s economy is largely based on shipping activities related to oil exports from nearby refineries and petrochemical plants. The port also handles large volumes of non-oil cargo such as containers, Bulk cargo, And vehicles. In addition to its economic significance, Bandar ‘Abbās offers visitors many attractions worth exploring. One popular destination is the old town area known as Gamron Bazaar which features narrow alleys lined with shops selling spices, Textiles, Jewelry and other traditional Persian goods.

Another must-see attraction is Hormuz Island located just off the coast which boasts stunning natural beauty including multicolored rock formations that have been shaped by wind erosion over centuries. For those interested in history or architecture there are several notable landmarks in Bandar ‘Abbās including Shahid Rajaee Port Complex – one of Iran’s largest ports – which features modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities. The city’s historic waterfront area also features several well-preserved buildings from the Safavid era including the Khan-e Boroujerdi House – a beautiful mansion built by a wealthy merchant in the 19th century.

Despite being a bustling port city, Bandar ‘Abbās is also known for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals. Visitors can enjoy delicious Persian cuisine at one of the many restaurants or cafes scattered throughout the city or take a leisurely stroll along its beautiful beaches which offer stunning views of the Persian Gulf. Overall, Bandar ‘Abbās is an important hub for international trade and commerce with a rich history dating back centuries.

Its strategic location near major sea routes makes it an ideal destination for those interested in exploring Iran’s maritime heritage while its vibrant culture and friendly people make it an enjoyable place to visit for anyone seeking an authentic Iranian experience.

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1. Hormuz Island: A beautiful island known for its colorful soil and stunning beaches.
2. Portuguese Castle: A historical castle built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
3. Persian Gulf Complex: One of the largest shopping malls in the world with over 2,500 stores.
4. Bandar Abbas Museum of Anthropology: A museum showcasing artifacts from different periods of Iranian history.
5. Kish Island: An island known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and water sports activities.
6. Shahid Rajaee Port: One of Iran’s largest ports and a major hub for international trade.
7. Sheikh Safi al-Din Mausoleum: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the tomb of Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili, a Sufi mystic from the 13th century.
8. Tangeh Chahkooh Canyon: A scenic canyon with natural pools and waterfalls popular for hiking and camping activities.
9. Hara Forests (Mangrove Forests): The only mangrove forests in Iran that offer unique ecosystems to explore by boat or kayak tours.
10. Dolphin Park Bandar Abbas: An amusement park featuring dolphin shows, rides, games, and restaurants overlooking the Persian Gulf coastline.

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1. Oil Refining: Bandar ‘Abbās boasts one of the largest oil refineries in Iran.
2. Fishing: The city’s location on the Persian Gulf makes it an ideal spot for fishing.
3. Shipping and Logistics: The port of Bandar ‘Abbās serves as a gateway for trade between Iran and other countries.
4. Agriculture: The surrounding region is renowned for its production of dates, citrus fruits, and vegetables.
5. Tourism: Bandar ‘Abbās has numerous historical sites, including the ancient city of Hormuz, that attract tourists from all over the world.
6. Petrochemical Industry: In addition to oil refining, there are also petrochemical plants in Bandar Abbas that produce various products such as polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC resins among others.
7. Trade & Commerce: Thanks to its strategic location on Strait of Hormuz, it’s a hub for trading with nearby countries like UAE, Oman etc.

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1. Bandar ‘Abbās, Iran is a port city situated on the southern coast of Iran.
2. During the Safavid dynasty in the 17th century, Bandar ‘Abbās was established as a major trading hub.
3. The Portuguese also occupied the region from 1507 to 1622 and constructed several forts in and around Bandar ‘Abbās.
4. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bandar ‘Abbās became renowned for pearl diving and fishing in the Persian Gulf.
5. During World War I, British occupation led to significant changes in local governance and infrastructure.
6. Post-World War II saw an economic boom that resulted in oil refineries and other industrial facilities being established in Bandar ‘Abbās.
7. Notable people associated with Bandar ‘Abbas include:
   • Mirza Hossein Khan Moshir al-Dowleh, an influential diplomat who served as Iran’s ambassador to several European countries
   • Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (the last Shah), who frequently visited due to its strategic location
   • Kamal-ol-Molk (Hossein Qoli Khan), one of Iran’s most famous painters who was born there
   • Hossein Kazemi Sabzi (aka Houshang Golshiri), one of Iran’s most influential writers who lived there before moving to Tehran where he became more involved in literary circles
   • Ali Akbar Dehkhoda (1879–1956), an Iranian linguist best known for his monumental Persian dictionary which he worked on while living there from 1915 until his death

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1. The Shahid Rajaee Port Complex is the largest port in Iran and one of the busiest in the Middle East. Visitors can take a tour of the port to see how it operates.
2. The Bandar ‘Abbās Museum of Anthropology showcases artifacts from different eras of Iranian history, including pre-Islamic times, Islamic era, and contemporary history.
3. Hormuz Island is located off the coast of Bandar ‘Abbās and is known for its stunning natural beauty and colorful landscapes.
4. Haji Firuz Teahouse is a historic teahouse located in a traditional bazaar in Bandar ‘Abbās that offers visitors a glimpse into Iranian culture.
5. The Jameh Mosque of Bandar ‘Abbās was built during the Safavid era and features intricate tile work and beautiful architecture.
6. The Persian Gulf Forever Monument is dedicated to those who lost their lives during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988).
7. Qeshm Island is a popular tourist destination located near Bandar ‘Abbās that features unique geological formations such as salt caves and mangrove forests.
8. The Abbasabad Hills Park is a scenic park located on a hill overlooking Bandar ‘Abbās, offering panoramic views of the city below.
9. The Kish Island Dolphin Park allows visitors to swim with dolphins and learn about marine life conservation efforts in Iran; it’s located on Kish Island near Bandar ‘Abbas.
10. The Parsian Esteghlal Hotel Beach Club offers luxurious amenities like swimming pools, water sports activities, restaurants & cafes for guests to enjoy while staying at this beautiful resort on Iran’s coast.

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1. Football (Soccer): The most popular sport in Iran is football, with many local teams and clubs in Bandar ‘Abbās participating in various leagues.
2. Volleyball: Volleyball is also a popular sport in Iran, with many local teams competing at the national level.
3. Basketball: Basketball is another growing sport in Iran, with several local teams participating in national competitions.
4. Futsal: Futsal is a variant of football played indoors on a smaller field with five players on each team. It’s gaining popularity among young people of Bandar ‘Abbās.

It’s important to note that women’s participation in sports is limited compared to men’s participation due to cultural restrictions and religious laws enforced by the Iranian government.

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1. Nowruz Festival: This is the most important cultural event and festival in Bandar ‘Abbās, Iran. It marks the Persian New Year and is celebrated on the first day of spring.
2. Muharram: This is a month-long mourning period for Shia Muslims, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) in 680 AD.
3. Eid al-Fitr: This festival marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated by Muslims all over the world.
4. Fajr International Film Festival: This annual film festival showcases Iranian cinema and attracts filmmakers from all over the world.
5. Qeshm Island Cultural Festival: Qeshm Island, located near Bandar ‘Abbās, hosts an annual cultural festival that celebrates local traditions and customs.
6. Hormozgan Province Handicrafts Exhibition: This exhibition showcases traditional handicrafts from across Hormozgan Province, including pottery, weaving, embroidery, and wood carving.
7. Persian Gulf Cup Football Tournament: The Persian Gulf Cup is a popular football tournament that takes place every year in Iran’s top football league.
8. Sistan-Baluchestan Cultural Week: Sistan-Baluchestan Cultural Week celebrates local traditions and customs with music performances, dance shows, food stalls etc.

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Iranian Dishes

1. Ghalyeh Mahi: a spicy fish stew made with turmeric, garlic, and cilantro.
2. Baghali Polo: a dish made with rice, fava beans, and dill served with lamb or chicken.
3. Ash-e Reshteh: a hearty soup made with beans, noodles, herbs, and sometimes meat.
4. Kebabs: grilled meat skewers served with rice and vegetables.
5. Fesenjan: a stew made with pomegranate molasses and walnuts served with chicken or duck.

Popular Restaurants in Bandar ‘Abbās

1. Shahrzad Restaurant: known for its seafood dishes like Ghalyeh Mahi and grilled shrimp.
2. Baghali Polo Restaurant: specializes in traditional Iranian cuisine like Baghali Polo and Kebabs.
3. Darya Restaurant: offers a variety of seafood dishes including grilled fish and prawns.
4. Alborz Restaurant: serves Persian-style stews like Fesenjan along with other Iranian dishes.
5. Sabzi Khordan Cafe & Restaurant: offers vegetarian options like Ash-e Reshteh as well as meat-based dishes like Kebabs.

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1. Eram Garden
2. Shaid Rajai Park
3. Bandar Abbas Waterfront Park
4. Kowsar Recreational Complex
5. Lashkar Abad Beach
6. Hormoz Island National Park
7. Hengam Island
8. Qeshm Global Geopark
9. Dolphin and Crocodile Park
10. Persian Gulf Complex (shopping mall with recreational activities)

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