The forgotten land of colours: a trip through Iran's Persian Gulf - The Guardian (blog)
We call that rock Ferdowsi, as it looks from afar like the great poet. Locals have stories for the rocks and cliffs that resemble birds, animals or mythical creatures. “We grew up with our grandparents taking us on long walks and telling us about the rocks,” says Ali Hormuzi, a 44-year-old resident. This is Hormuz island in the Persian Gulf , the mostly forgotten land of colours in the Strait of Hormuz, 5km from the mainland, and southeast of Bandar Abbas, major port and capital of the province of Hormuzgan. Ibn Battuta who came twice between 1330 and 1340, wrote that the island’s city was “fine” and “large. The island was once settled by tens of thousands but its population has fallen below 10,000. Many have been unemployed since relations with Oman , an important trading partner, soured during the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2005-2013).... We just weren’t allowed in. ”. Locals would bring goods back to Hormuz, and then sell to traders in Bandar Abbas and Qeshm, a neighbouring Iranian island. Ali has worked hard to make ends meet since trading with Oman declined. Smuggling, qhachagh , is a word you hear all over the Persian Gulf islands, including Qeshm, from where I have travelled the 60km to Hormuz. Source: www.theguardian.com
