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	Geography and History
Minab,Soutern Iran Bandar Kong Hormuz Island Buddist Temple Bazzar,minab	Hormozgan province covering an area of 68,476 sq.km. is located in south of Iran and north of Persian Gulf. Hormoz straight, one of the today most sensitive and vital waterways, is situated in political realm of this province. Bandar-Abbas, Bandar-Lengeh, Minaab, Roodan, Qeshm, Jask, Haji-Abad, and Abou-Mousa constitute the townships of this province. In November 1996, the population of Hormozgan province was estimated 1,062,155 of which 41.8% were resided in urban areas and 57.74% in rural areas and remaining were non-residents. The sex ratio of the population of the province is 106. The main part of the province is covered by mountainous regions. Zagross mountain range extends from north-east to south-east of the province and terminates to lime and sandy hills and high lands as well as coastal low lands parallel to the Persian Gulf and Omman sea. Hormozgan province is situated in the warm and dry zone of Iran having arid and semi-arid climate. The weather in coastal line is very hot and humid in summer and very mild in winter. There is scanty rainfall. Relative humidity is mainly very high in the coastal zones of the Persian Gulf. Hormozgan province is one of important tourism areas, in national and international level, especially for its coastal and water attractions. Being one of the wealth resources of the Persian gulf, pearl is paid due attention by the merchants. Persian gulf, among global seas, is very rich from marine biological diversity point of view especially different species of fishes. Fishery is very brisk in Bandar-Abbas, Bandar-Lengeh, Bandar Jask and around Kish, Hendourabi, Hormoz, Qeshm and Larak islands. The Persian gulf shrimp and lobster have international reputation. Enjoying suitable coasts, mineral waters, countryside, sea, tropical nature, shining wild nenuphars, fish markets, covered water reservoirs, old high badgirs (ventilation towers), large jetties, traditional architecture proportionate to climatological conditions, vast luxuriant palm groves, diverse tropical plants and , Hormozgan has its own freshness and attractiveness which absorbs tourists. The history of Hormozgan province is mixed with the history and geography of the Persian gulf. Written history of Bandar-e-Hormoz begins since Ardeshir-e-Babakan. Some believe that thriving of Bandar-e-Hormoz has taken place between the years 211-241 AD., and it has become famous as one of the most important trade centers in the East. In the years 661-750 AD., Persian Gulf Region was a part of Omavi territory and then a part of Abbasi territory (750-1285 AD.) In the late 8th century, naval business was considerably flourished and some historians know this waterway more important than the silk road and an important part of it. In the year 1497 AD., for the first time, western colonialists, under the command of "Vasco de Gama" landed in the Persian Gulf ports. In 1506 AD., Portuguese, surrounded Hormoz island under the pretext of protection of Portugal interests against Egyptian and Venetian merchants. At that time, Bandar-e-Hormoz was counted as a key point of Persian Gulf trade and the spice road passed adjacent to this port in Hormoz straight. Shah Esmail Safavi intended to taking it bach, but due to the trouble of fighting with Ottomans, he could not dismiss Portuguese and concluded a treaty with them. With conclusion of this treaty, the dominance of Portuguese on the Persian gulf stabilized for some times. Shah Abbas I, with the help of England, expelled them. In the year 1635 AD., the Dutch established a commercial firm in Bandar Abbas and competition between England and the Netherlands accelerated. In the late reign of Safavid king, Iranian government canceled exemption of custom duties for Dutch import and export. Iranian government authorized them to trade on silk in every point of Iran. At the same time, the Dutch constructed a firm castle in Bandar-Abbas. Mir Mohanna, the Governor of Khark island and Bandar-Rig, under the pretext of not paying rental fees, attached them in 1765 AD. and expelled them from the Persian Gulf. After this event, so many Emirates were established by England in the Persian Gulf in order to preventing any unity against its interests. After World War I, the Persian Gulf gained a very important strategic and economic condition as a center of petroleum export very essential for world industrial development. Strategic condition of Hormozgan province attracted especial attention of foreign powers to this region. Although the cities of this province, compared with other cities of Iran, have not a long history, but the political history of this region and its importance is very interesting for every tourist. On the bed of this political history, so many castles and monuments emerged since the dominance of colonialists and each of them has its own attraction for tourists. The Persian Gulf, from ancient days and due to its antiquity, has been the center of traffic, interactions, integration and linkage among different races, ethnic groups and those sailors who had diverse language, tradition and thought. The old navigators in the Persian Gulf, who had long journeys to India, Africa, Java (Indonesia), China and, brought their tradition to the region. Consequently, the culture and folklore of the people in this region gained specific characteristics compared to other parts of Iran. These differences in cultural interaction, have caused suitable backgrounds for visiting the province and getting acquaintance with the specific culture of the region. The historical, cultural and tourism features of the province are pointed out as bellow:
	Bandar Abbas
Bandar Abbas Basket weaving Fish Market Buddist Temple	Bandar Abbas (Abbas port) is 1484 km. far from Tehran. The climate of this region is hot and humid. This port was called "Jordan Port" in 1555 AD. and was a small village opposite to northern coast of Hormoz island. In the year 1514 AD., Portuguese selected this village as land based point for cargo loading. Due to abundance of crabs in this area, it was called "crab port".In 1622 AD., Shah Abbas cut the hands of Portuguese from this port by the help of England and in honor of this victory, this port became famous as Bandar Abbas. English and the Dutch constructed several beautiful buildings for commercial purposes. Most of commercial huge ships, which carried cargo for Iran and Ottoman from India, anchored in this port. The Dutch, in the year 1741 AD., constructed a new city in the midst of Bandar Abbas with permission of Iran Government. In the first half of 17th century, East Indian Company was established in this city. But, in 1759, due to convulsive condition, this company transferred this commercial center to Basra. Bandar Abbas and its appurtenances was leased to Sultan of Masquat according to a contract in the time of Nader Shah. After an upheaval happened in 1868 in Masquat, this contract was canceled and the city came under administration of Iran. Presently, Bandar Abbas is capital city of Hormozgan province and it is one of the most important strategic and commercial centers of Iran in the Persian Gulf and Omman sea. Shahid Rajai Jetty Complex is a very huge landing place through which major barter of goods between Iran and other countries is accomplished. Major natural, historical and religious sites of Bandar Abbas are: hGeno, Lashtan, Chah Ahmad, Sayeh Khosh, Touduluyeh, Batouduluyeh, Khorgoo, Bari, hSorkhan, Kashkoo, Nian and Chestaneh mineral water springs, hMangrove Forests, hGeno wildlife refuge, hKish and Hormoz islands, Kolah Farangi building, hLaft and Khamir castles, hLaft wells, hDezhkan, Manbar Kohneh and Jame’ mosques, hShah Mohmmad Taghi and Khajeh Khezr Imamzadeh.
	Bandar Lengeh
Suunite Mosque	Bandar Lengeh township is 1631 km. far from Tehran.The climate of this city is hot and humid.To a great extend, "Gougana" port was today Bandar Lengeh which was very important commercial port in Achaemenian era, but due to historical transformation its briskness decreased. In the year 1760 AD., Javasem Arabs of southern coasts of the Persian Gulf, occupied Qeshm island and Bandar Lengeh through extensive migration. In the time of Karim Khan Zand (1743-1773), marine communication facilities in the Persian Gulf caused considerable commercial prosperity in this port and improved more due to Shiraz caravan road. In Ghajar time, this city was famous as the Bride of Iran’s ports. Till 1896 AD., Jasem Arabs had domination over this port. In 1889, French Consulate was established in Bandar Lengeh and customs of Bandar Abbas and Bandar Lengeh were administered by Belgians. In 1898 AD., one of the governmental families of Bandar Lengeh, due to weakness of the central government, took the power but after a short time he was dismissed. In the late Ghajar time, Bandar Lengeh fell into decay and since beginning of World War I till the end of World war II (1945), due to the outbreak of contagious diseases and famine, the city lost its real features. Today, Bandar Lengeh is a thriving city and commercial activities are developing over there. Important natural, historical and religious sites of Bandar Lengeh are: hAbgarm Badoon, Ask, Malayeji, Charak, Fariab and Fotouyeh hot water springs, hCoasts and Islands of Lavan, Hendourabi and Shatvar, hShatvar wildlife refuge, Lashtan castle, hMalek-e-bn Abbas mosque.
	Minab
Bazzar,minab	Minab has 1616km. distance from Tehran. Northern and eastern parts of this city is mountainous and central and western parts are plain. The climate of this city is warm and humid. Agricultural lands, gardens and orchards are irrigated by Minab river.Minab’s history is mixed with the history of ancient Hormoz city. Some historians, attribute the foundation of old Hormoz to Sassanide Ardeshir Babakan. In the year 1000 AD., one of the Sheikhs of Omman called Mohammad, conquered Hormoz port by making use of dissatisfaction of people from the ruler of that time. In 1300 AD., a group of Mongol variors attacked this city. The Emir (governor) of Hormoz accompanying with the residents migrated to Present Hormoz island. In the years 1793-1804 AD., Sultan of Omman (Sultan Ebn-e-Ahmad), imposed his sovereignty over Gouvater. He took precaution against facing with Iran, but tried to take the control of Bandar Abbas and Minab in his hands. At this time, Agha Mohammad Khan Ghajar, due to internal clashes, has no opportunity to strengthening his power over the south of Iran, so the sovereignty of Qeshm and Hormoz was put under the care of Omman ruler. In 1852, a treaty was concluded according to which, Iranian lands, coasts and islands as well as Minab city were returned to Iran. Present Minab is a developed and thriving city susceptible for agricultural activities in the province. Hezareh (Bimono) castle is the most important historical monument of this city.
	Jask
	Jask is located in the east of Hormozgan province. The weather of the city is warm and humid and is under the influence of arid and semi-arid climate. In a very old time, Bandar Jask was one of the reputable centers of Mitraism. A temple called "Anahita" has remained in Jask.In 1330 AD., Sultan Ghotg-e-din governed over Jusk. In 1614 AD., English selected this port for their commercial activities. In 1619 AD., the first commercial firm of East Indian Company was established in Jask. In late 620 AD., Portuguese prevented the entrance of two ships, belonging to East Indian Company, to Jask. This terminated to a sever clash between Portuguese and English and finally expel of Portuguese from Jusk. For expansion of its influence over the Persian Gulf, England fortified its position. Amongst these actions was establishment of telegraph lines and undersea cable which connected Iran to India. Presently, Bandar Jask is relatively on of the thriving cities of Hormozgan province which is bounded to coastal water on three sides as a peninsula. It has beautiful and calm shores.
	Qeshm
Qeshm Bandar Laft Portugese fort Water cistern	Qeshm island is situated in the north of Hormoz straight. Qeshm city is located in the north-east of the island. The weather is hot and humid over there.It was also called "Altavileh" (long) island due to its long length. In the time of Mongol upheaval, the Head of Touran tribe resided in Qeshm and tried to develop it, so he was entitled to Touranshah. In 1507 AD., the Portuguese constructed important military fortifications and this situation continued till the reign of Shah Abbas Safavid. In 1645 AD., the Dutch gathered an important military force in the Persian Gulf and occupied Qeshm island under the pretext that Iran has not observed the contents of the commercial treaty. But they left the island due to its hot weather. After the death of Nader Shah in 1747 AD., domination of Iran over the Persian Gulf was weakened and Javasem Arab tribes expanded their violation and finally in 1760 AD., conquered the island. In 1882 AD., Basaidou in Qeshm island was chosen as England military Naval Base. English left the island due to its hot weather. After Islamic Revolution in 1979 AD, Qeshm became more important and was declared the second "Trade Free Port" of Iran in 1989. In 1990, the customhouse was established in the island and it is one of the busiest commercial and industrial regions in the Persian Gulf and Omman sea. With mobilizing this port, commercial exchanges with neighboring states expanded considerably. The important natural, historical and religious sites of Qeshm township are: hQeshm, Larak and Hengam islands, hPortuguese castle, hBibi and Kharboz water reservoirs, hPortuguese well, hOld city of Kharboz, hKoolghan ancient hill, hBalatal dam, hPilgrimage places of Bibi Mariyam, Shah Shahid, Sheikh Andar Abi and Seyed Mozafar. hJame’ mosque
	Abou-Mousa
	Abou-Mousa township is an aggregate of 3 islands and is located in south of Hormozgan province 222 km. far from Bandar Abbas, having hot and humid weather. Carried out studies show that in 1000 BC., Abou-Mousa island was administered by Iranians like other islands of Pars Sea and was a part of Iranian territory. Between the years (1165-1151 AH.) Pars Sea and Abou-Mousa were under the dominance of Elomates. In Media epoch, this island with other ones were the part of a west-southern provinces and were a part of Kerman. In Parthians (Arsacides) era and in the time of Mehrdad the First (138-171 BC.), Abou-Mousa was under the dominance of this dynasty. In Sassanian time, these islands were a part of Iranian territory and in time of Omavian and Abbasian caliphate, ports and islands of the Persian Gulf were managed by their envoys. In the year 323 AD., Emadoldoleh Daylami, occupied the ports and islands of the Persian Gulf including Abou-Mousa. In the reign of Al-Bouyeh, all ports and islands of the Persian Gulf annexed to their territory. This island was under Kerman saljoughian rule till 538 AH., and was managed by local government of Bani Ghaisa. Taymour Goorkan annexed the ports and islands of the Persian Gulf to his territory. In the reign of Shah Abbas Safavid, Portuguese conquered Abou-Mousa island. In 1147 AH., Karim Khan Zand ruled over the ports and islands of the Persian Gulf. Agha Mohammad Khan Ghajar ruled over all of these areas as well. In the late 19th century, with entrance of England naval force and her political citizens to the Persian Gulf in the pretext of expelling pirates, preventing slavery and safeguarding of India’s security, English Naval Force stopped Iranian military operations in Abou-Mousa. After some times, Sharjeh Sheikh (Emir) under supervision of England, claimed for the ownership of the island. Since 1971 AD., Abou-Mousa has been under dominance of Iranian Navy. This Island has been paid due attention by Iranian Government and major actions are taken for its development. Natural attractions of Abou-Mousa are: hCoastal areas of greater Tonb, small Tonb, siri, greater Farour, small Farour, and Abou-Mousa islands.
	Hadji Abad
	Hadji Abad township is situated in the north of Hormozgan Province. from natural features point of view, this city is divided into two eastern and western parts. Estern part containing Fazghan region around which and some interior parts of it, Zagross mountain ranges trail are situated and has high summits. But western part of it is salt marsh. Hadji Abad’s weather is mild in winter and hot and dry in summer. Hot water springs in Hadji Abad and Deh Sheik are amongst natural attractions of Hadji Abad.
	Roudan
	Roudan is an ancient geographical regions of the province enjoying pleasant weather compared with other coastal parts of the province. Enjoying relatively rich surface and ground water resources, Roudan is developed in agricultural activities and production of different agricultural products.This city, in 4th century AH., has had luxuriant areas and beautiful gardens and orchards. In this region some crops like cereals, sugar cane grape and ... were produced and their surplus were exported to India via Tiab port in Minab. This city has no considerable historical site, but has natural beauty.
	Protected Areas
	The Persian gulf and Oman Sea encompass hundreds of aquatic life species, very rich from biological diversity point of view. Sea is a very great resource of food materials and important habitat of different species of birds, both endemic or waterfowl.In spite of high temperature, poor vegetation cover and fresh water shortage, Homozgan province has encompassed some of the most rare species of flora and fauna which are of a high ecological value. The protected areas of this province are as follows: Wildlife Refuge of Shotour island which is located 1.5 km. south-estern of Lavan island, Geno Protected Area, situated 29 km. north-west of Bandar-Abbas, Mangroves (Harra) Protected Region, which extends sporadically from Hormoz towards east and Oman Sea.
	wildlife
	The most important wildlife species in the protected areas of Hormozgan province are: diverse migratory African or Indian birds, wild goat, wild sheep, brown bear, gazelle, hyena, wild boar, wolf, fox, partridge, dull-yellow partridge, eagle, crab, lobster, snake, crocodile, sea turtle, dolphin, and different endemic and migrant birds including flamingo, pelican and
	Tourism facilities
Kish Island	The capital city of Hormozgan province is flourished with road, air and sea transportation facilities as well as communication and health systems. The cities of the province are easily accessible due to asphalt roads. There are, especially in Qeshm and Kish, different accommodation facilities like guest houses and hotels in different levels.The souvenirs of Hormozgan province are different handicrafts like earthenware, cloth, carpet, basket, mat and...

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