Harireh Ancient City

Kish Island is as mysterious and captivating as any piece of land in the ancient blue expanse of the Persian Gulf. Stunning attractions together with top-notch accommodation (Kish hotels are among the very best in the country!) makes Kish the most visited island in Iran during the vacations. Among the many spectacular historic and natural highlights of the island is an ancient city that once was the commercial hub of the region. Harireh Ancient City lies far north of Kish Island in the Persian Gulf. The exact origin of the city is a matter of dispute between historians but all of them agree that Harireh was established sometime between the last years of the Sassanid period and the early Islamic era. Its significance as a major trade center however dates back to 800 years ago. According to the archeological findings, the site of Harireh Ancient City is comprised of six sections: The beach section, a mansion, a bath, a mosque, a glass making workshop and a number of qanats. Most of the structures are predictably in ruins, but their form and decorations will give you a sense of life in a Middle-East island during the antiquity. There are also many wells and qanats around the extant monuments. They used to provide drinking water for the population of the city. Harireh was also one of the centers for the trade of pearls. This is evident from the huge piles of shells in a nearby small gulf.

 

The ancient city of Harireh is only one in the great variety of Kish tourist attractions. There are many more fantastic spots on the island most of which are covered in Kish day tours. In order to give you a general idea of the diversity of the places of interest visited in the course of Kish tours, we will introduce some of them in the short passages below:

 

1. Greek Ship

There are usually two types of tourist attractions: historic or cultural sites and natural attractions. But Greek Ship in Kish island is a living proof that sometimes a fortuitous event (or a mishap!) can bless a region with a spectacular sight which is neither nature-induced or historic. Greek sailors whose ship went aground on the coast of Kish 52 years ago didn’t know that they are promoting the tourism industry of the island! The ship is long abandoned and is in the state of gradual dilapidation. However, its massive body has given a unique character to the sunset vista of the island and it is a favorite location for taking photos in Kish.

 

2. Kish Dolphin Park

Kish Dolphin Park is the first dolphinarium in Iran. The complex also includes a large aviary (Kish Bird Garden), a beautiful park with tropical trees and a couple of restaurants and coffee shops. The park is specially favored by children who love the frolicking dolphins and chirping exotic birds.

 

3. Kariz Underground City

The underground city is in fact a labyrinth of interconnected historic water canals known as qanats. The tradition of building qanats in Iran goes back to the first millennium BC. The site is renovated and equipped with modern facilities and is widely visited by the tourists.

 

4. Grand Recreational Pier

One of Kish’s largest piers, Grand Recreational Pier is about 450 meters long, providing people with a unique promenade in the Persian Gulf (You are practically deep in the sea at the end of the promenade!). The center equips the visitors with jet skis, different kinds of boats and diving gadgets.

 

 

        

2/4/2018 1:52:52 PM