The Bushehr Province covers an area of 23,191 sq km. of dry land and 60 km. of coastal area. The province is located in the south of Iran and to the north of the Persian Gulf enjoying a strategic and sound economical position.The townships of this province are the followings: Bushehr, Tangestan (Ahram), Dashtestan(Burazjan), Dashti(Khormoj), Dayer, Daylam, Kangan and Genaveh.The political and economic center being 'Bandar-e- Bushehr' or the 'Port of Bushehr'. In the year 1996, the above mentioned province had a

population of approximately 744,000, of 53.1 % resided in urban areas, 44.8 % accounted for rural regions and the remaining were non-residents.
According to the natural relief, the Bushehr Province can be divided into two segments: one being the plains and the other mountainous regions. The former extending along the coast of the Persian Gulf, where majority of the cities (of this province) as well as the inhabitants are settled. The other regions are named as the two mountain ranges of “Gach Torsh” and “Nokand” which run parallel to each other throughout the length of this province.Error processing SSI file

In the coastal region, the weather is warm and humid, and in the internal areas warm, dry, and a desert like climate is experienced. Generally two specific seasons are prevalent, i.e., comparatively cool winters during the months of November to March and the rest account for the hot, dry summer months. The autumn and spring seasons have short durations. The average temperature ranges between 50° C in summer and 6° C for the winter season; whereas the average annual temperature is recorded at 24° C. It is worth mentioning that from the end of April to end September, for approximately 140 days temperatures rise to more than 40° C.Error processing SSI file

Due to its suitable and strategic position the province formed a sea-base and port from the older times that is during the period when the Ilamite monarchs ruled over the region. During the Achaemenian era, the territory of Bushehr was governed by the officials of 'Pars'. In the past, the Persian Gulf region which encompassed the Bushehr Province was always a seat of the exchange of scholarly activities as well as wealth and the rise of political power, which also included the economic and commercial aspects. These formed the main principles which attracted foreign powers. The first of which being the rampage of the European governments to the coasts of the Persian Gulf. Such as the Portuguese attack in the year 1506 A.D.
In order to gain supremacy over the Egyptian and Venetian traders who held the ropes in this area. In the year (1031 A.H..) Shah Abbas Safavid aligned with Britain and expelled the Portuguese from this region. It was during the reign of Nader Shah (1148 A.H..) that Bushehr which was no more than a village gained importance and was transformed into a port with a jetty. At the end of the reign of Nader Shah, Iran possessed 23-25 ships in the Persian Gulf.
Furthermore, during the Zandiyeh and Qajar eras, this territory witnessed more political upheavals, such as during the rule of the latter whose influence diminished over this area. Leaving the same in the hands of the British rule, who acquired dominance over Oman Sea as well. Great Britain has dominated the scene over the Persian Gulf for a period of twenty years. Britain retained power till ever after the year 1913 as they were victorious in their battles with Nasereddin Shah Qajar in 1857. As well as in 1913 when the freedom movement under the leadership of 'Rais Ali Delvari' proved unsuccessful against the British aggressors.Error processing SSI file

The township of Bushehr is located in a vast plain running along the coastal region. The capital city is Bandar-e-Bushehr or the 'Port of Bushehr'. This port is at a distance of 1,218 km. from Tehran, and has a hot, humid climate. Since the past, this port has been one of the important ones in Persian Gulf which has an international airport too. During the 1st and 2nd Millennium BC., the Peninsula of Bushehr was a thriving and flourishing seat of civilization called 'Rey Shahr'. Many relics have been found in this regard related to the Ilamite era and the civilization of Shoosh (Susa).These structures of "Rey Shahr' are said to be related to Ardeshir Sassanid and Rey Shahr was formerly known by the name of Ram Ardeshir. Thereby through the passage of time came to be called Rey Shahr and thence Bushehr.Error processing SSI file

This township is in the north of Bushehr, its center being 'Burazjan', which lies at a distance of 1,147 km. from Tehran. Dashtestan experiences an extremely warm climate and in past was known as 'Shabankareh' its center is the ancient city of 'Eij'. Burazjan was one of its basis, where there are the remnants of an ancient castle.

This township is in the south of the province its capital city being 'Khormoj'. Kaki was the center of the Dashti block and it was used to be called Mandestan. The relics of this vicinity are a temple and an ancient tower, but the natural attractions of the area can draw numerous sight-seeing.Error processing SSI file

Dayer is located on the coast of Persian Gulf, its center being 'Bandar-e-Dayer'. The same is 50 km. south west of 'Bandar-e-Taheri'. The 'Jalal Khan Hakem' castle (which is more that 200 years old) is in this city. Imamzadeh Shah Mohammad is also located in this area.Error processing SSI file

This township is located to the north of the province and near the coast of Persian Gulf. Its center is the historical city of Daylam. Evidence of two ancient ports in this area, such as Mahruban located 24 km. north of Daylam and 'Bandar-e-Si' 20 km. from Daylam throw light on the ancient and historical past of this vicinity, which intermingles with that of 'Bandar-e-Genaveh'.Error processing SSI file

Bandar-e-Genaveh lies on the coastal waters of The Persian Gulf, between Bandar-e-Bushehr and Daylam. The current city of Genaveh has been constructed in the southern segment of the old city. Relics such as stone arches are evident in the ancient city.Error processing SSI file

This township lies in the extreme south eastern region of the province on the coast of Persian Gulf. Bandar-e-Taheri being one of its districts was an important center of trade and commerce in the 4th century A.H. The Port of Siraf or 'Bandar-e-Siraf', west of this region was one of the largest ports of Iran in the Persian Gulf and after Shiraz it ranked as the second city of the province of 'Ardeshir Khoreh'. The Thermal spring of 'Mianloo' north of Kangan is a place worth seeing.Error processing SSI file

Tangestan is yet another township of Bushehr the center of which is 'Ahram'. The famous fort of Tangestan lies in this township, the inhabitants of which are distinct for their loyalty to the country and chivalry. It is believed that the vicinity of 'Tedumari' in Tangestan is a reminder of a trading clan reputedly from central Asia i.e., the ancient 'Tedmer' and 'Palmir' tribes. It is evident that the coastal region of the Persian Gulf was an important trading and commercial center for traders belonging to different areas in the past.Error processing SSI file

This structure was constructed in the vicinity of 'Tang-e-Eram' and holds strong possibility of being a resting place or hunting location of lodge.

The winter palace of Darius or 'Dariush' located 12 km. north of the current city of Burazjan is known as the 'Bardak Siyah (palace). This palace has 10 pillars in two rows and is constructed according to Achaemenian design. Black stone is used as a foundation of these pillars.

This palace is located south east of Burazjan and alongside the dry river of 'Aardi'. This palace was one of the most important bases of Iran on the coasts of the Persian Gulf during the Achaemenian era. According to the mode of architecture, it could be related to Cyrus' reign.

Rayshahr is situated 8 km. south of the city of Bushehr and relics found in this region dates back to the third to 1st Millennium B.C. The relics of this ancient city are inscriptions in the cuneiform script, and decorative earthenware showing that this city was one of the important cities of the 'Ilamite Empire'. In that time it was known as Lian. This city formed an important link between the eastern and western civilizations of the past.

The name 'Rayshahr' is the short form of the word 'Rivard Ardeshir' and was constructed during the time of Ardeshir Babakan. During the Sassanid period this city was an important center for scholars. The territory of the ancient city of 'Rayshahr' is on the national records of monument in Iran.Error processing SSI file

The remnants of the ancient port of 'Siniz' or 'Bandar-e-Siniz' can be observed about 20 km. from Bandar-e-Daylam and near 'Khor (Estuary) Imam Hossain. The Hessar village was the site of the western rampart of the ancient city of 'Siniz' and a few relics can be observed here.Error processing SSI file

Siraf is located south east of the port of Bushehr near the small port of Taheri. This ancient city encompasses the three ports of 'Bandar-e-Taheri', 'Bandar-e-Kangan' and 'Bandar-e-Dayer. Siraf dates back to the Sassanid period and originally was known as 'Ardeshir Aab' due to the fact that Ardeshir Babakan set up a waterway network here in order to facilitate port activities for which he was responsible. Ancient relics in this region are:
Parts of a defense fort related to the end of the Sassanid era and the Siraf Jame' mosque related to the end of the (2nd century A.H.).
A part of the locality where the wealthy people resided including several small mosque of the (3rd and 4th century A.H.).
A number of (mass) graves or tombs, a palace-like edifice and few other buildings. Error processing SSI file

Approximately towards the north of Burazjan and on the road leading towards Dalky, a few hills and spaces can be noted on either side of the road. On the right side the remains of a round castle along with a moat surrounding it is seen. Throughout the space around, a number of evidences exist such as pieces of earthenware (from the Parthian period), a millstone, decorative rails, mortar and molten iron that most probably belong to a foundry of those times. The walls were constructed with cobbled stone and a special kind of gypsum which were used to be utilized in architecture of Sassanid era.Error processing SSI file

This hill is located south of Burazjan and to the north of which is a structure having strong walls made out of cobbled stones and gypsum in a length of more that 20 m. Most probably the main structure is of the Sassanid era.Error processing SSI file

Toz was one of the commercial and trading centers and was famous for is textiles, such as cotton or other decorative materials braided with gold or silver. Other remnants such as ruined edifices, broken pieces of stone and earthenware objects are evidences stating the importance of this city in the past.Error processing SSI file

Other ancient cities and ports are: Port of Mahruban 24 km. north of the port of Daylam or 'Bandar-e-Daylam' on the old road of Esfahan - Mahruban is another ancient port in the Bushehr Province.Error processing SSI file

This is the remnants of the large castle of Khormoj and is designed in the 'Saljuqi' style with arched roofs and decorative plaster moldings.Error processing SSI file

This castle located in the city center of Burazjan, was for a long duration utilized as a prison. Originally it was a 'caravansary' or local inn in Qajar period and is on national record.Error processing SSI file

This castle is located in the north east of Khark Island. In the year 1748 A.D., contemporary to the period of the Safavid reign and the Afqani conquests in Iran, the Dutch gave up their trading center in Bandar Abbas and transformed this center to Khark Island. Hence the construction of this castle is attributed to Baron Kenep Hawsen.Error processing SSI file

This castle is to the north of Ahram and belongs to Zar Khezer Khan Tangestani and at present is the residence of his descendants. The castle includes four towers and rampart apart from the private facilities for use of the residents.Error processing SSI file

Besides the above mentioned castles, the Jalal Khan Hakem Castle in Dayer and the Malek Castle in Ray Shahr are worth mentioning.Error processing SSI file

This tomb is octagonal and is similar to Mongol architecture. There is a strong possibility that Haji Mohammad Ebrahim Esfahani was buried was buried here in the year (1170 A.H.).Error processing SSI file

In this mausoleum two tombs can be observed, a larger grave bearing a chest and an inscription in the 'kufic script' and another smaller grave without a tomb stone which is the grave of Sibveyh.

This temple is on the skirts of the 'Mond' Mountains, 30 km. from Khormoj, on the top of a rocky height. The current facade of this temple is a main platform with an arched roof and two other entrances. Ten sutures can also be noted. The most interesting feature of this temple is that in the lower chambers a number of wells are seen, which could be used for burial of the dead or a place for their skeletons.Error processing SSI file

This temple located in Khark Island and is related to the Greeks. In the Sassanid era, a fire-temple was erected on the remnants of the former Greek temple. But after Islam, this site was converted into a mosque.Error processing SSI file

In the north of 'Sa'dabad' (district of Burazjan), the 'Shapour River' flows through the rocky, stony and layers of heaped sand. The two sides and within these rocks, there are numerous crypts (similar to tiny 'dug out' chambers or rooms). Chehel Khaneh is in keeping with the meaning of 40 rooms or houses that are located here. Another concept of it is Cheleh Khaneh where the 'devout' and 'Yogis' existed. There is a possibility that these crypts were burial places during the period of 'Medes' and 'Sassanids'.Error processing SSI file

Generally speaking the architecture of houses suits and coincides with the environment and climate of this region, these structures are named as Qaazy House (Bushehr), Rais Ali Delvari House (Bushehr), Malek Edifice (Bushehr), Darya Beigi Edifice, Dehdashti Edifice, the Cultural Heritage Building, the Shahrdari (Municipality) Building, the Kazerooni Building (Bushehr) and a few others. All of these buildings are designed according to local condition for combating warmth and humidity with using fine decorative arts worth seeing.Error processing SSI file

This water reservoir is 12 km. east of Burazjan and at present has two reservoirs to the radius of approximately 4 m. dug out in the ground.Error processing SSI file

This water reservoir is near Khalij-e-Fars Avenue, it was constructed during the Qajar era and dates back to more than 150 years ago.Error processing SSI file

The structure of 'Goor Dokhtar' is very similar to the mausoleum of Cyrus the Great in Pasargadae (about 600 B.C.). This structure is made of 24 slabs of stones, according to the 'Orartoie' and Ilamite principles such as the ziggurat of Choqazanbil. This valuable monument is registered on the records of the Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran.Error processing SSI file

In a part of the mountainous area of Khark Island, numerous graves have been discovered and a strong probability exists that these belong to the Zoroastrians and the Christian communities. These graves date back to the end of the Sassanid and the beginning of the Islamic eras. In graves belong to men no articles has been discovered. Whereas in graves belonging to women, small bottles, (most probably perfume bottles), rings and mirrors made of admiralty metal have been discovered.Error processing SSI file

This graveyard is in the north west of "Bandar-e-Taheri' and in the southern slopes overlooking it. Numerous graves have been found rectangular in shape (210 cm x 50 cm) and with a depth of 40-60cm. These graves have been dug out in the stone. Opposite to this graveyard is another site where the graves are placed vertical to the height of 3 m. and a width of 2 m. resembling bee hives and are regularly placed on the slopes.

Other graveyards and in this province are named as the grave of 'Shaqab' (Bushehr), the tomb of a British General (Bushehr), the 'Marv hillock and Pahn' hillock in Burazjan.Error processing SSI file

This ancient mosque is located in an old graveyard which is on the top of a hill. A wooden inscription in the mosque displays the date 852 A.H. as the repairing date of the mosque. So this shows that it was constructed much before this date and could be related to the early centuries of the Islamic era.Error processing SSI file

This mosque is also known as the Masjed Shah (Shah Mosque) and Masjed Kufi (Kufi Mosque), constructed by an Arab called Sheikh and at present religious mourning ceremonies are held here.Error processing SSI file

This is an ancient tomb made of hand and sculptured stone and is located south of Khormoj city. It is believed that an offspring of Prophet Noah is buried here.Error processing SSI file

This structure is on the Genaveh - Daylam road. The dome has twelve panels. This mosque has been constructed about 70 years ago and has been influenced by Indian architecture used in temples. It is believed that an offspring of the 4th Imam of the Shiite sect is buried here.Error processing SSI file

The other Imamzadehs of the province are named as Imamzadeh Aqa Kuchika, Qadamgah-e-Hazrat Ali and Qadamgah-e-Hazrate AbolFazl.Error processing SSI file

This structure is uniquely interesting from the architectural point of view. Its window panes are multicolored and in general the architecture is a mixture of Christian and Iranian architecture.Error processing SSI file

This church is located in the western sector of the Island and is a church probably belonging to the Christians of the Sassanid era.Error processing SSI file

During five months of the year when large areas of Iran and northern Europe and America are ice-bound, the coastal region of Bushehr on the Persian Gulf enjoys a pleasant and sunny climate enhanced with the natural beauty of the sea, along with schools of fish that swarm the coastal waters and rocks. The most important natural attractions of the province are as follows:

In the territory of Helleh the two rivers of Dalky and Shapour have brought about a large Wetland. Surrounding this wetland are marshes which have provided a habitat for immigrant birds.Error processing SSI file

The coast of this province is of two types, i.e., sandy and rocky. The latter in itself is a wonderful sight worth seeing: being of limestone and due to the active water erosion, leaving beautiful and natural impressions behind. The sandy shores, however, provide recreational areas for water sports. Bushehr being close to the cities of Abadan, Bandar-e-Abbas, and Shiraz in Iran; including other countries of Persian Gulf such as Kuwait and Bahrain, attracts many tourists and visitors during the winter season.Error processing SSI file

The Khark Island has a population of more than 10.000 and is located 57 km. north west of Bushehr and 38 km. from Genaveh. This coral reef island has a length of 8 km. and is 4-5 km. in breadth. It has native trees, and thence to a small extent fruits like banana, citrus and dates are cultivated here. This Island having some historical relics is one of the oldest in the vicinity.

This island is situated north east of Khark Island and is considered to be an important island regarding cargos such as crude oil.Error processing SSI file

These two islands located in the southern coast of the province are devoid of inhabitants. The Nakhiloo Island is the area where giant tortoises inhabit, the presence of which have made this area environmentally important.Error processing SSI file

Other Islands in the Bushehr Province are named as follows: Sheef, Abbasak, Goram, Notaf, Mooqi, Maad and Chenaqi Islands.Error processing SSI file

Scanty vegetations along with generally dry and hot weather conditions have created an environment in which only the adaptive animals to this diverse conditions may survive. Some examples of these animals are wild sheep, wild goat and rams in addition to water species and waterfowl.Error processing SSI file

This area is between the two rivers of Dalky and Shapour. This area is the habitat of different species of waterfowls.Error processing SSI file

This vicinity is 83 km. south east of Burazjan located at 1,691 m. above sea-level and forms the 'winter residing quarters' of the tribes in this area. About 7,000 herds of wild sheep and wild goat exist here. Hunting is only allowed during special seasons and with a permit of the Department of the Environment.Error processing SSI file

This vicinity is near the Mond River and about 600 - 700 herds of gazelle or dear exist here.Error processing SSI file

This area boasts of a variety of wildlife and from this point of view holds its own. Wildlife such as wild sheep, wild goat, gazelle, antelope and leopard can be seen here.Error processing SSI file

Mineral water has always been a source of remedy for various ailments. The Bushehr Province has a rich source of mineral water owing to the fact of its land structure. The Persian Gulf water is composed of a variety of minerals, vegetations such as algae and planktons, which in itself has positive effects on the physiology of human being.Error processing SSI file

This spring is located near the city of Ahram, 63 km. on Bushehr - Bandar Abbas Road. There are two separate pools for gents and ladies.Error processing SSI file

This spring is 12 km. on the Burazjan - Kazeroon Road and 6 km. south of Dalky village. Its mineral water is good for skin remedies.Error processing SSI file

This spring is located 18 km. from the city of Burazjan towards Kazeroon city. This spring provides 18 liters of water per second having positive effects on certain ailments. Error processing SSI file

Situated 1 km. from the Khanik Village, the water contains minerals such as calcium sulfate with magnesium and sodium chloride.Error processing SSI file

This spring lies 77 km. on Ahram - Khormoj Road and 1 km. of the path to the spring is a mud track. Two separate pools are present for gents and ladies. Error processing SSI file

This spring is located west of Mir Ahmad 60 km. on the Bushehr - Bandar Abbas Road. This mineral water contains calcium sulfate, together with magnesium and sodium chloride.Error processing SSI file

Other springs in this area are the thermal spring of Qoocharak 5 km. southwest of Ahram, the thermal spring of Niku north of Khormoj, the thermal spring of Genviyeh on the Khormoj - Dayer Road and the thermal spring of Mianloo in the north of the Kangan township.Error processing SSI file

The heights of the Bushehr Province comprises of two ranges. The main range of which is in the north and eastern limits of the province; known as Gach Torsh and its most important peaks being Kabkan and Kooh Siyah. Another part of the range which runs parallel to the first, on the margin of the Persian Gulf is known as Nokand. Following this is the Kartang Range, the most important peaks of which is Darang.Error processing SSI file

This river takes its source from the heights of Dasht-e-Arjan to the west of Shiraz, and after gaining water from the Sarkhoon and Shirin Rivers, adjoins Shapour River, finally flowing into the Persian Gulf. Dalky River, especially in the northern sector irrigates agricultural land, date graves and gardens of Burazjan. The 'Shaban Kareh Dam' has been constructed on this river. Thereby promoting leisure spots, as well as recreation in the northern areas of the river. Error processing SSI file

This river takes its source from the heights south east of Kazeroon and south west of Shiraz, flowing into the Persian Gulf in the south of 'Bandar-e-Kangan.' The slope of this river is gradual and it enters Bushehr Province from Kazeroon, after irrigating lands of the Shabankareh Village it ultimately adjoins the Dalky River.Error processing SSI file

Other rivers of the province are the Ahram and Shoor rivers. Error processing SSI file

This museum has a collection of exhibits and is also the museum of Anthropology. This museum is in the historic mansion of Rais Ali Delvari.Error processing SSI file

This ritual is performed during a drought. The ritual is in such a way that the inhabitants of a village select a person and call him 'Galin'. Galin is then changes into Shepherds clothing along with a beard made of sheep wool and a straw hat with two horns. A bell is also hung round his neck. Then along with the others of this village, Galin is taken from house to house and from each house he receives some wheat, barley or a few eggs. Page Contents Related Articles Ultimately Galin divides that which he has acquired into segments and in one of these segments adds a small piece of sand (apart from the eyes of others). Then these segments are distributed and the one who receive the part inclusive of sand, escapes the scene making the others run behind him in order to beat him. Finally he finds refuge in one of the houses and the household plead with the others not to hunt him for 3-7 days and that within this duration the rains would come.
'Galin' is allotted more two or three days if the rain fails to come, but ultimately if the rains don not come Galin is entailed for a beating. People believe that by performing this ritual the almighty feels pity on them and the rain begins.Error processing SSI file

This ritual is usually performed on Wednesday nights. People (both men and women) adorn themselves with special attire and shower themselves with special perfume in order to get ready for this occasion, which also entails dancing. Page Contents Related Articles A week before this event a particular concoction (which is a type of medicine) is prepared for the person who is ill and is to be treated by this ritual. Baba Zaar, or the person in charge of the patient keeps the person out of sight of others for one week, rubs the concoction on the patients body besides giving a title to be drunk, and vaporizing a portion of the same around the patient. At the dancing ceremony, Baba Zaar beats the patient carefully and before the festivity begins various types of food are prepared and laid out including blood from the sacrifice of an animal for the ill person. The patient is compelled to drink a tile of this blood before being allowed to speak.
During the dancing and ecstasy, the patient by rhythmic movement goes into a state of hallucination and in this condition only 'Baba Zaar' can communicate or talk to the patient who asks the former to relieve him of that which has possessed him. After the period of hallucination is over the patient always has to dress in white and clean clothing and always scented with perfumes, and is compelled to keep away from doing wrong or else he'd be troubled again by 'Zaar'.
Another ritual is the 'Dum-Dum Sahri' ritual taking place during the fasting month of Ramadan.Error processing SSI file

Carpets, Gelim (or coarse carpet) Gabeh or a traditional form of carpet, felt, mats, baskets, Giveh or a local foot ware, brooms, earthenware, hookahs, musk, fishing nets and sweet meat.Error processing SSI file

The local music and dancing of this area is very similar to that of the Africans. The local anthems are traditional the most important of which are known as Sebalo, Shirveh and Yazleh.Error processing SSI file

The word Ahram is a collegial form of the word 'Eram' meaning the 'Garden of Paradise'. As there are numerous citrus fruits, orchards and plenty of natural springs around this area. In Ahram of Tangestan there are the relics of two military forts, one belonged to the Khans (governors) of Tangestan and the other to the Zar Khezer Khan clan of Tangestan. Mausoleums such as Imamzadeh Jafar, Zainabol Shohada, and Imamzaeh Aqa Mir Ahmad are near this village.Error processing SSI file

This territory is in the township of Dashti. The reputed castles of Khormoj a part of which is known as the Mohammad Khan castle, and the other called the Jalal Khan castle is located in this area. Both these personalities were 'Khans' of the Qajar era. Error processing SSI file

Other special rural areas of Bushehr can be named as follows: The village of 'Chahar Roostaie' (Territory of Genaveh) having four pilgrimage sites, the village of 'Kamali' (Genaveh), the village of "Gomaroon' (Genaveh) having two ancient mosques and a place of pilgrimage, the village of 'Lilietan' (Daylam) having two places of pilgrimage and an ancient castle called the Mohammad Ali Khan castle.Error processing SSI file

Easy access can be gained to the Bushehr Province within the country and also from the Persian Gulf by air, sea or land. The city of Bushehr is accommodating in the way of services to visitors and tourists to this area.Error processing SSI file

Hotels, Bushehr

Restaurants, Bushehr