Iranian islands of Persian Gulf (8)
Jan 30, 2018 16:45 UTC
Kish is one of the most important islands of Persian Gulf and one of the most attractive tourist destinations.
The different natural, historical, recreational, and commercial attractions of the Island of Kish draw the attention of countless tourists, who head toward this island, all year long.
Kish is an oval shaped Island, which covers an area of 89.7 square kilometers, with a length of 15.6 square kilometers, and width of 7 kilometers. This island is situated southwest of Bandar Abbas Port, within the Persian Gulf waters. This island's distance to Bandar Lengeh Port is fifty knots.
The unique and tranquil coastlines of this island create astounding scenic landscapes throughout different seasons of the year and even different hours of every day. The fact of the matter is that the eastern, northeastern, and southern coastlines of Kish Island are among the most attractive coastal belts across the globe. Sunsets throughout the southwestern coastlines of Kish Island particularly capture the attention of tourists, who travel to this island.
In accordance to historical books; throughout the Acaemenian, Parthian, and Sassanid eras, Kish Island belonged to Iran, and upon the promotion of Islam this island was conquered by Omayyad caliphs. This situation continued until mid-Third Century AH, within which a group of Iranians residing in the city of Reyy, staged un uprising against the caliph, seizing all of the islands of Persian Gulf, including the Island of Kish.
The rule of Iranians over the Island of Kish is evident from the letters penned by them in Pahlavi language. In the Saljuqid era, this island turned into the largest commercial center of Persian Gulf region. Innumerable historians have commented about Kish Island and its golden era.
One of the famed and acclaimed Iranian geographers, scientists, historians and philosophers of 7th Century AH, Zakaria Qazvini, in one of his books, points out: Kish Island is situated in Persian Gulf waters. A highly attractive city has been built in this island. Indian ships berth next to this island, which is a trading center for Indians, Iranians, and Arabs. Meanwhile, several ponds and water stores have been built in this city.
Among the great literary Iranian figures, no one has traveled as much as the renowned poet, Sa'adi. He was a well-known man of letter and an intelligent tourist. In fact, upon reference to his works, the reader gains an insight about the manifestations of the ancient history of Iran and other parts of the world.
Kish Island was at the peak of its growth and development from 5th to 7th Century AH. Based on the observations of Iranian and Arab historians and tourists, the Island of Kish was a highly developed Island and one of the main regional trade centers throughout the Ilkhanid and Timurid eras. The name of this island has been mentioned in two of Sa'adi's signature books, which are Boostaan and Golestan.
Kish Island was a fishing hub and a pearl trading center in the Persian Gulf region. Meanwhile, upon the entry of Japanese pearls to the Iranian market, the importance of the Kish Island's pearls gradually declined. In the year 1970, the Island of Kish was selected as an international tourist attraction site due to its scenic landscapes, pristine waters, and attractive coastlines.
In the year 1982, the Island of Kish was chosen as the first free economic zone of Iran, and currently the economic mainstay of this island is tourism and trade. The maritime and aerial routes of Kish Island are respectively shaped via the port of Kish and Kish Airport. Several flights connect Kish Airport to many other Iranian cities.
The Island of Kish is home to a number of accredited and prestigious universities, which are affiliated to Sharif University of Technology and Tehran University. These universities currently offer international bachelor, masters, and PhD courses such as Information Technology, MBA, electrical and electronic engineering, and law, in cooperation with a number of universities such as Malaysia's Multimedia University, and Monash University in Australia.
The cities of Langkawi in Malaysia and Dubai in United Arab Emirates, are sister cities to the Island of Kish.
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