Kharg Island, Island and archaeological site in the Persian Gulf, Iran
Kharg Island is a small coral island in the Persian Gulf, located in Iran's Bushehr Province, and functions as both an inhabited island and an archaeological site. It has a roughly rectangular shape, about 5 miles (8 km) long and 2.5 to 3 miles (4 to 5 km) wide, with Mount Didehban as its highest point at about 285 feet (87 meters) above sea level.
Kharg Island is among the oldest inhabited places in the Persian Gulf, with signs of human presence going back thousands of years. Over time it passed through Greek, Roman, Sassanid, Portuguese, and Dutch control, each leaving traces that can still be found across the island today.
Kharg Island is known locally as the 'Orphan Pearl of the Gulf,' a name that reflects both its isolation and its role in Iran's economy. Walking through the island, visitors can see old graves, religious shrines, and oil facilities existing side by side.
Access to Kharg Island is restricted because it is an active oil export hub, so visitors need to arrange the necessary permits before traveling. The climate is hot and humid for much of the year, so light clothing and plenty of water are advisable when exploring the site.
Kharg Island has a type of large fig tree, called Lur or Leel locally, whose roots grow above the ground, wrap around the trunk, and hang down from the branches like ropes. These trees thrive in the salty, dry soil by drawing moisture from the layer of fossils and coral pieces beneath the surface.
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