cities kish island
Kish Island has a unique situation in the strategic Persian
Gulf region amongst tens of large and small islands. This
island is so beautiful and attractive that it has become
known as the Pearl of the Persian Gulf since ancient times.
Its calm coasts are covered with coral sands that shine in
the sunlight, creating a unique and fascinating sight. The
clear coastal waters allow one to view several meters deep
into the sea and watch the beautiful movement of the fish.
Diverse plants and native trees, as well as a pleasant
climate seven months a year are among the outstanding
characteristics of the island.
The island has attracted many tourists, travelers and
writers throughout history due to these very
characteristics. Among those who have written in praise of
this island are Niarkhous, the Greek navy commander who
traveled to Kish in 225 B.C., and wrote about its beautiful
palm fields, Marco Polo, Ibn Batuta and Hamdullah Mostofi,
as well as Ms. Fatemeh Al Ali the contemporary Kuwaiti
writer who traveled to Kish in February 2002 and compared
the island to a “gem on a king’s crown”.
Geography
Kish is lies between the 53 degrees and 53 minutes ,to 54
degrees and 4 minutes of the eastern longitude of the
Greenwich Meridian, and 26 degrees and 29 minutes, and 26
degrees and 35 minutes of the northern latitude.
With an area of 90,547 square kilometers, the island is
located only 18 km off the southern coast of the Islamic
Republic of Iran. This beautiful oval-shaped island is 15 km
long and seven km wide.
The distance from Kish to Tehran is 1052 km by air and 1600
km by land. Kish is at a distance of 1200 km from Isfahan,
Iran’s historic and tourist destination city which attracts
thousands of international visitors each year.
Topography
Kish is an almost flat island with an average altitude of 22
meters above the sea level. The highest region of the island
(in the east) is 45 meters above the sea level. The island
has shallow fissures formed as a result of erosion by heavy
winter showers.
Marjan Beach Park, Kish Island
Climate
Temperature
Kish has a warm and humid climate with an average
temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. The weather is temperate
and pleasant in fall, winter and two months into the spring.
Humidity
The humidity is high in the majority of the months of the
year. The humid season begins in mid April and continues for
nine months.
Rain
Kish receives little and varying rainfall like in other
parts of the Persian Gulf. The average annual rainfall in
the island is 170 mm, 82 % of which falls in winter, 10 % in
fall and the rest in spring and summer. The rain falls in
the form of strong drizzle in spring and summer, and in
small continuous drops in winter.
People
The native people of Kish are a combination of Iranians and
Arab- Iranians of the country’s southern provinces, who had
migrated to the island during its ancient times of
prosperity. Thus they speak Persian and Arabic. The
complexion of the native people is dark and their physical
characteristics are similar to those of the natives of the
southern Iran.
Based on the census carried out in 2001, Kish has a
population of 16501 comprising 4454 households. The increase
in population is the result of the migration of Iranians
from all parts of the country who come to work or invest in
Kish. This has created considerable job opportunities and
encouraged more migration to the island.
The island has a youthful population. Around 49.7% of the
population is in the 25-64 age group, economically
classified as active. The current population structure is a
reflection of the inflow of job-seekers. With the ongoing
development projects coming to fruition, the population
structure is expected to normalize, approaching the patterns
in other regions of the country.
History of Kish
Kish has a long history of about 3,000 years, being called
under various names such as Kamtina, Arakia, Arakata, and
Ghiss in the course of time. In 325 BC, Alexander the Great
commissioned Niarkus to set off an expedition voyage into
the Sea of Oman and the Persian Gulf. Niarkus's writings
indicate that he visited Araracta in the 4th century BC. His
descriptions of Araracta precisely match with the
characteristics of Kish.
Once again, greatness, ability, creative power, intention
and diligence have appeared in revival of one of the Iranian
Traditions. Those who were living on Kish Island tens of
centuries ago, with their Iranian inherent intelligence in
building aqueducts-under ground canal-mostly known as Qanat
or Kariz-stroked the coralline layers of Kish Island in
search of potable water, and were rewarded with "fresh
water" or "sweet water" as the people say here. for
centuries afterwards, the sweet water of Kish Island not
only relieved the thirst of the local residents, but by
exporting it to neighboring state, the local residents could
swapping it with sugar or cash.
Nowadays, the Kariz Kish has changed into a world unique
phenomenon. The ancient canal were expanded, and an bellow
the surface of the Kish Island, with museum, art galleries,
handicraft workshops, traditional and modern tea/coffee
shops. The present length of the under ground complex is
about 3000 meters, and the visitors will have the choice
either to walk inside it or to sail in power/pedals boats
and see its beauties on board.
The Ancient Town of Harireh
For those who are interested in the history of Iran in
general, and in the history of Iranian islands in the
Persian Gulf in particular, a visit to the ancient town of
Harireh is a must. Harireh is most probably the town that
the renowned Iranian poet, Sa'adi, has referred to in his
book 'The Rose Garden'. There are references in the works of
Iranian and Arab historians to the location of the town on
the island. These say that the town was situated in the
middle of the northern part, precisely where the ruins are
standing today.
A tour of Harireh can give the visitor a chance at imagining
the ancient times of Iran. Then a short stroll over to
Derakht-e-Sabz (Green Tree) Park will provide a chance at
relaxation in the tranquil atmosphere.
Traditional Water Reservoirs
 Drinking water in Kish is somehow
limited. That is why, since ancient times, the indigenous
people resorted to different methods of supplying their
drinking water. The remnants of some of them attest to this
fact.
As in many other areas of the country where water is scarce,
the past inhabitants of Kish used a special type of water
reservoir to collect rainwater. These reservoirs were dug at
the end of natural basins deep in the ground.
With the innovation of desalination technology traditional
water reservoirs became obsolete. But, what remains of them
is a sight to visit for tourists. The architecture of these
structures is unique and very interesting.
To collect surface waters, two such reservoirs were built in
the Portuguese Valley in 1992. The water collected is being
used to irrigate the parks and green areas.
An ancient water reservoir is Payab. It has been restored
and is now one of the attractions of the island. Payab is
over 2,000 years old. Once it was renovated, the floor was
carpeted with corals. A teahouse has also been provided to
serve refreshments to visitors. In Persian, Payab means
bottom of the sea.
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