Iranian islands of Persian Gulf (25)

One of the main tourist destinations in Khuzestan Province and Abadan is the beautiful Minoo Island, which can shape a memorable journey for any traveler who visits this tourist attraction site.

Minoo Island is one of the Iranian islands of Persian Gulf region which borders Iraq from the west. This island is situated ten meters above the sea level, at a ten-kilometer distance from the city of Khoramshahr. Its largest diameter is roughly six kilometers. The island covers an area of seventeen square kilometers.

Minoo-Shahr is a small city which is located in Minoo Island. the population of this town stands at 13,000 people; half of which are farmers, with some of the other locals engaged in animal husbandry. Many of the residents of this island are Arabs; and thus Arabic is the common spoken language in this island.

Minoo Island is the only Iranian island, surrounded with fresh water. The island maintains a high bio-diversity and relatively limited coastline, and is considered as one of the sensitive regions of Iran. This island is home to five creeks; three of which are branched out of Arvandroud River. The island is one of the rare regions in the world in which the irrigation system is natural and is carried out with the ebb and lows of sea water; needless of any mechanical tools or water pumps. The innumerable palm trees in the island have provided an appropriate ecosystem for migrant birds, while its thick cane fields provide shelter for wild animals, such as boars.

Minoo Island is considered as one of the tourist attraction sites of Abadan and is a part of Arvand Free Trade Zone.

From the very first days of the Iraqi imposed war, the residents of Minoo Island assisted the Iranian combatants. The former Iraqi regime's forces knew well that they had to pay a heavy cost for occupation of this island, given that the local forces and Islamic Revolution Guards Corps were well-familiar with this island, and, if necessary, could make use of the thick palm groves and numerous creeks in the island to deal a blow against the enemy forces.

Minoo Island was the battlefield of "Karbala 4" operations. Plans were made by Iranian commanders to seize the Um er-Rasas and Abu Al-Khasib Islands, and to besiege the enemy troops, who were scattered in Faav Peninsula. In the break of dawn on December 24, 1986, the Iranian scuba divers passed the width of Arvandroud River, attacking the positions of the former Iraqi regime's troops. However, the enemy was informed by the US satellite network about this offensive, and staged a raid on Iranian scuba divers and vessels. Nonetheless, Iranian troops advanced in a number of Islands such as Um er-Rasas, Omo al-Babi, Bal Janiya, and Soheil Islands. The scuba divers of the 25^th Division of Iran had reached land. So, enemy's solid barriers were shattered.

After the termination of the Iraqi imposed war, Minoo Island was demined, and today this island is one of the tourist attraction sites of Abadan and Khoramshahr.

Meanwhile, Touristic Complex of Minoo Island is situated at Simin-Roz Tree Nursery, which is home to fifteen different plant species. This touristic complex covers an area of 1.5 square kilometers. Currently, this touristic complex is home to one coffee-shop and two guest chambers. The guests are served local food. This complex has been founded by Haaj Abdullah Nourani. Some of the advantages of this recreational, private complex is its access to a pier, in addition to presence of golf and horse-riding clubs in the complex. Based on a tradition, Arabs usually build guest rooms, adjacent to their homes, in order to make guests comfortable. The guest rooms' doors should be in the direction of Kiblah, and relatively short so that those who enter the guest chamber would lower their heads as a sign of respect for those who are already in the room. Based on tradition, the person who enters the guest chamber should greet the person, sitting closest to the door, and then find a place for himself to sit down. Upon sitting down, those present in the guest chamber greet and welcome the newcomer.

Meanwhile, the two guest chambers of this touristic complex are located at a 300-meter distance from Arvandroud River, making it possible for the residing guests to catch a glimpse of the ships and vessels sailing across this beautiful river.

MR/EA