Qeshm is over 1,491 square kilometers, larger than many sovereign countries, including Bahrain and Singapore. Located across the coast of Hormozgan province, on an island about 22 km from Bandar Abbas, the island is located at the mouth of one of the most important maritime trade routes in the world, at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz.
But beyond its strategic location, Qeshm is known for its breathtaking biodiversity. The island is home to Hara Forest, a vast mangrove ecosystem that covers more than 8,000 hectares, which UNESCO has recognized as a biosphere reserve. These forests serve as important breeding grounds for migratory birds, fish and reptiles, maintaining the ecological balance of the Persian Gulf.
Qeshm also features 26 geosites that make up Qeshm Island Geopark, the first geopark in the Middle East, registered with UNESCO’s Global Geopark network in 2006.
Geological wonders: stars, valleys, caves
Qeshm Island is often referred to as a “natural geological museum” due to its magnificent rock formations and arrangement of landscapes. Perhaps most iconic is the valley of stars, a maze of narrow canyons and towering layers carved by wind and rain for thousands of years. Local legends claim that the star once fell here and gave its name and mystical aura to the valley.
Another important attraction is the Chakuu Valley, a natural wonder carved into the mountains of salt and Raymeston for centuries by salt erosion. Chahkooh features vertical cliffs and narrow canyons, offering an unforgettable exploration experience for geologists and tourists.
Equally impressive is the Namakudan (salt), one of the longest salt caves in the world, stretching over six kilometers. The cave contains salt stal liquor and crystalline layers that are over 500 million years old, along with underground salt rivers. Cave salts are also attracting attention for their medicinal properties, particularly in the treatment of respiratory conditions.
Cultural Heritage and Local Society
Today, Qeshm is home to a diverse group of ethnic groups. Traditional crafts such as range buildings (wooden dow shipbuilding), bandari embroidery and matte weaving are still practiced and live on the maritime and cultural traditions of centuries ago. Island women often wear unique face masks, or “burkas,” a local tradition of both cultural and practical origins.
The annual Nowruz Sayadeen festival and other local rituals reflect a deep connection between the ocean and nature. Music, storytelling and folklore are key elements of the island’s culture and have been handed down for generations.
Fisherman Knowles is an ancient festival on southern Iran, particularly on Qeshm Island, which takes place in late July or early August. It symbolizes the end of the fishing season and respect for the ocean and aquatic life. On this day, the fishermen celebrate and refrain from fishing.
Qashm Island is one of Iran’s most protected secrets. This is an island of mythology and minerals, culture and commerce, nature and storytelling. As Iran aims to expand tourism and diversify its economy, Qeshm stands as a model of what can be achieved when the beauty of nature meets its strategic vision.
For travelers, scientists, investors and policy makers, Qeshm offers a compelling destination where history, geology and human resilience converge.
MNA/