Bandar Siraf city is one of the sights of Bushehr province. This city is one of the old and commercial cities of Iran, which has been active in maritime trade for nearly two thousand years. Bandar Siraf is not only considered important in Iran's trade, but also in the field of tourism, it is considered one of the scenic cities of Iran, which has many historical and natural attractions. In this article, Aladdin Travel's content team introduces Bandar Siraf, its history, souvenirs and handicrafts, local foods, and tourist spots in Bandar Siraf.
Where is the city of Bandar Siraf?
The city of Bandar Siraf, which is also known as "Taheri Port", is located between two ports in the Persian Gulf region, Kangan and Taheri. This port is located 240 km southeast of Bushehr and 380 km from Bandar Abbas. Bandar Siraf is located between the mountains and the sea and is four kilometers long and is considered one of the important coastal cities of Iran.
History of Siraf Port
During archeological excavations in the last 80 years, researchers found that the city of Bandar Siraf has a long history. This commercial city has started its activity since the time of Ardeshir I Sassanid. Even the origin of Siraf's name goes back to Ardeshir I. The name of this port comes from Ardeshirab, which later became Syrab and then Siraf. This city was one of the important commercial cities of Iran until the 4th century AH, and commercial ships used to come and go to it from Ceylon, India, China, Zanzibar and the Red Sea.
There are many ancient monuments in this city. Sasanian inscriptions and wall paintings, special Sasanian plasters, with leaves of fig tree, Bersaw, Mok, cedar have been found in abundance in this city. The pottery obtained from Bandar Siraf also shows the connection of this region with the cities of other countries.
Bandar Seraf has an ancient cemetery. This cemetery belongs to the Parthian and Sassanid periods and the diversity of its graves shows the various rituals of the Parthian period. "Abu Ishaq Ibrahim bin Mohammad Farsi Istakhari" known as "Karkhi", the famous geographer of Iran, describes Siraf as a large and aristocratic city, most of its people's occupation was related to seafaring and sea trade.
The culture of Bandar Seraf people
In the city of Bandar Seraf, Sunnis and Shiites live together. Most of the people of the city speak Farsi and have a Kongani accent. Various ceremonies have been held in Siraf for a long time, some of which still retain their authenticity and are still held by local people. Fishing is one of the important occupations of Bandar Siraf people. In Siraf port, fishermen and boatmen still sing different local songs while working. You can listen to the beautiful sound of these local songs by walking along the beaches of Siraf. This port also has gas resources and petrochemical organizations are very active in it, to the point where Siraf is called the "Energy Capital of Iran". The occupation of the people of Bandar Siraf depends on the two industries of fishing and petrochemical, and a small number of them make a living through agriculture and animal husbandry.
Souvenirs and handicrafts of Bandar Seraf, women's fine handwork
Siraf city, like many coastal and southern cities, has amazing works in the field of handicrafts. If you are traveling to the city of Bandar Siraf and intend to buy souvenirs, it is good to know the pure and original souvenirs of Bandar Siraf. The women of this region are famous for their zari weaving, needlework, rug weaving and mat weaving. These creative women have also used their art in needlework and needlework, and you can get beautiful and delicate handmade jewelry such as wristbands, bracelets and necklaces from local people.
Apart from exquisite handicrafts, there are delicious foods in this area. Shalikh or Kharak is one of the delicious foods of this region, which is prepared from special plants and is used to treat various diseases.
Elok is also a type of local wild almond that can only be found in some southern cities of the country. Dry dates are another souvenir of Bandar Siraf city. In this city, two types of halvah are cooked, which are called Angu Pich and rice halvah. The local breads of Siraf are also very famous. Among the local breads of this region that you must try are:
Arhin
picture
Oven bread
hot bread
Sightseeing places of Bandar Siraf
The sights of Bandar Siraf include historical and natural attractions that attract countless tourists every year. The number of historical monuments in Bandar Siraf city reaches more than ten. If you are interested in seeing ancient and historical monuments, put the city of Bandar Siraf in the priorities of your trip. It is interesting to know that Siraf not only has many historical attractions, but its natural sights are also famous.
The most beautiful view of the Persian Gulf from the shores of Bandar Siraf
The interesting thing about the city of Siraf is that it is limited to the mountains and the sea. Among the coastal cities of southern Iran, Siraf is the only city that faces the sea and backs to the mountains. The location of this city between the mountains and the sea has given the city a special effect. Siraf mountains are often dry and do not have significant vegetation. Due to the location of this city on the mountainside, Bandar Siraf is one of the few terraced cities in southern Iran. The alley after the alleys of the city are uphill and if you stand on the high roof of the city, you will see a unique view of the sea, sandy beaches and terraced houses.
On the beaches of Siraf city you will see local fishing boats. Everywhere in the city, you will see "graghor" or fishing nets for the people of the south, which stand out in the form of large and small net hemispheres. There is no possibility of sea sports in Bandar Siraf, but you can swim or sunbathe on the pristine and golden beaches of Siraf. The beach of Bandar Siraf city is one of the best views to see the Persian Gulf.
Historical sights of Siraf, a trip to the world of Iran's ancient mysteries
The historical sites of Siraf date back to the Sassanid, early Islamic, Safavid, and Qajar eras. There are many significant historical monuments in this city, among which the following can be mentioned:
Siraf Cemetery
Old castle and fortress
Siraf Archaeological Museum
Ancient tombs
Fire temple and old tombs
Rock cemetery of Bandar Siraf city
One of the unique attractions of Bandar Siraf is the ancient rock cemeteries of this city. This cemetery belonged to the Parthian and Sasanian eras, and some of its graves date back to the 4th century AH. In this cemetery, you can see graves with Kufic script. The burial artifacts of this cemetery are kept in the Bandar Siraf City Museum and the National Museum of Iran. One of the remarkable things about these cemeteries is their stairs.
Nasuri Siraf Castle, the strong fortress of the city
Nasuri Castle is one of the historical castles that have survived, which was the residence of the rulers of the city during the Qajar period. This building is built on a hill overlooking the sea. You can easily see the city of Bandar Siraf and Sahil Darya from Nasuri House. This house-castle is two hundred years old. It is interesting to know that there are eighteen beautiful paintings of Shahnameh stories in this house. The plasterwork of this castle is very exquisite and luxurious. This castle house has a round guard tower and a six-way windbreak, which gave the castle a special effect and made it stand out.
Siraf Archaeological Museum
If you are interested in seeing ancient pottery, old objects from the Sassanid and Parthian eras, the best place is the Siraf Museum. You can travel to ancient times by visiting this museum. Remember that the presence of an experienced and knowledgeable guide on archeology will complement a good and memorable trip for you. This museum was the home of "White House" one of the old archaeologists. Today, his house has been converted into the Siraf Archaeological Museum, and the objects of the ancient times from the Sassanid era to the Qajar era are kept there.
Siboyeh tomb, one of the first tombs in Iran
The tomb of Siboyeh, a famous post-Islamic scientist, is located in the city of Siraf. This tomb was one of the first post-Islamic tombs that underwent major restoration and reconstruction. Unfortunately, the old building of the tomb has been destroyed. There are two tombstones in this tomb, one of which belongs to Siboyeh, a scholar of the third century A.H.
ancient crypts of Siraf; A place to praise the goddess Mehr and Water
There are ancient tombs on the hills of the city and near Mount Siraf. Some consider these ancient tombs to belong to the Parthian era and related to Mithraism (goddess of love and peace). A number of researchers also attribute these tombs dug in the heart of the mountain to the goddess Anahita (goddess of water). If you travel to the city of Bandar Siraf, do not neglect to see these ancient tombs.
Siraf fire temple, a relic of the Zoroastrian era
Siraf fire temple is another landmark of Bandar Siraf city. This fire temple is very similar to Niaser fire temple in Kashan. The fire temple building is located on the heights of the city and stone materials were used for it. It is good to know that the fire temple has four entrances like other fire temples, which symbolize the four elements of water, wind, earth and fire.
Tomb of Qutbuddin Shirazi in Siraf
One of the old buildings of the city of Bandar Siraf is the tomb of Qutbuddin Shirazi. This building is one of the buildings built during the Ilkhani period. The building has a long porch and a large dome located behind the porch. The architectural style of this building is the Azeri architectural style. In the interior architecture of this building, you can see plaster painting and tiling and plastering with Islamic designs. The architecture of this building is similar to the central buildings of Iran in the 8th century A.H., which is unique in its kind.
Lir valley catchment of Bandar Siraf
Another ancient monument of the city of Bandar Siraf is the reservoir of the Lir Valley. This reservoir belongs to the first centuries of Islam. This reservoir has been used for watering cattle and animals.
Imam Hasan Basri Mosque
From the mosque of Imam Hassan Basri in the city of Bandar Siraf, only the remains of the main wall and the foundations of the columns remain. Visiting this mosque is recommended for people who are interested in archeology and history. The remains of this building belong to the second century AH.
The pleasure of stomach wandering and local dishes of Bandar Siraf
Most local dishes are made from sea fish. In this city, you can enjoy the unique taste of dishes such as tandoori fish, grilled fish, vodam, and Te Chin fish. All kinds of aromatic vegetables are used in Techin fish and tandoori fish. These dishes are among the most delicious local dishes of Siraf, which you should try at least one of them.
Stay in Bandar Siraf
The only accommodation in the city of Bandar Siraf is "Bandar Nasuri" tourist resort. You can also stay in one of Siraf's old houses. Of course, many people choose to stay in Bushehr hotels due to the proximity of Bandar Siraf to Bushehr, which is a very suitable option to aim for an arrow and several marks.
The best time to travel to Bandar Siraf
The best time to travel to Bandar Siraf is in autumn and winter. In these seasons, there is no news of hot and humid weather and you can enjoy the pleasant weather of this city. Autumn and winter are the peak travel seasons to Bandar Siraf, which attract countless tourists. In the first month of spring, countless travelers choose Siraf and Bushehr to travel, but from May to mid-October, Siraf port has very hot weather.
How to go to Bandar Siraf?
If you want to know the easiest way to go to Bandar Siraf city, it is to go from Bushehr to Bandar Siraf. If you have a private car, you should go from Bushehr road to Kangan and Kangan to Bandar Siraf, and if you want to use public transportation, the best option is the buses from Bushehr passenger terminal to Kangan and Kangan to Asalouye, which you have to get off at Bandar Siraf on the way. . From Asalouye, you can easily go to Bandar Siraf city or use buses from Asalouye to Kangan.