Name: Abu Musâ Island, Jazireye Abu Musâ in Persian.
Province: Hormozgân , Southern Iran
Island Population : ca. 480
Language: Persian
Transportation: Boats from Bandare Abâs. It is although possible to fly from Bandare Abâs (by provincial Ostândâri Air) to Abu Musâ .
Map: Click here
What to see/do:
The beautiful nature and very quite atmosphere of the island.
Rocky coastal areas of the island.
Nature and wild vegetations of northern part of island. Halvâ peak, the highest peak on the island.
The traditional fishing boats in harbour.
This island is the center of Abu Musâ sub-province (one of six islands in Abu Musâ Island Group) and Hormozgân province in Iran. It is 48 km from Siri Island, 75 km from Bandar Lenge and 222 km from Bandar Abâs .
This island covers an area of 12 sq kms. Like the other islands in the Persian Gulf enjoys warm and humid climate. The annual precipitation is over 100 mm² . Abu Musâ is 46 meters above the sea level.
The mountains end as rocky cliffs or steep promontories at the north, while at the mouths of the valleys are sandy beaches, at the south. The highest elevation, about 110 meters, obtains toward the northern part of the Island, at Halvâ peak (Kuhe Halvâ).
This is the most attractive town on the island.Abu Musâ is home to many of Iranian seamen, and interesting cultural events take place there all the year round. Fishing industry is the major industry on this island.
Abu Musâ has good tourist ammenities and can easily deal with the steadily increasing numbers of visitors who choose it for its natural beauties, its attractive villages, its historical monuments, its superb beaches and its medicinal springs.
There is roads around the island. There is although local airport, a lighthouse, fishing industry, post & telephone office, hotel, sport facilities, a care center, a cultue center, cinema, supermarkets, bank, gaz station, power station, a mosque etc on this island.
Carried out studies show that in 1000 BC., Abu Musâ island was administered by Iranians like other islands of Pars Sea (Persian Gulf) and was a part of Iranian territory. Between the years (1165-1151 AH.) Pars Sea and Abu Musâ 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 Kermân.
In Parthians (Arsacides) era and in the time of Mehrdâd the First (138-171 BC.), Abu Musâ was under the dominance of this Iranian dynasty.
In Sasanid time (another Iranian dynasty), these islands were a part of Iranian territory and in time of Omavian and Abâs ian caliphate, ports and islands of the Persian Gulf were managed by their envoys.
In the year 323 AD., Emadoldole Daylami, occupied the ports and islands of the Persian Gulf including Abu Musâ . In the reign of Al-Bouyeh, all ports and islands of the Persian Gulf annexed to their territory.
This island was under Kermân saljoughian rule till 538 AH., and was managed by local government of Bani Ghaisa. Taymur Gurkan annexed the ports and islands of the Persian Gulf to his territory.
In the reign of Šâh Abâs Safavid, Portuguese conquered Abu Musâ island. In 1147 AH., Karim Xâne Zand ruled over the ports and islands of the Persian Gulf. Âqâ Mohamad Xâne Qâjâr 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 Abu Musâ . After some times, Sharjeh Sheikh (Emir) under supervision of England, claimed for the ownership of the island. Since 1971 AD., Abu Musâ 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.