Kharg Island

Kharg Island → Traveler’s Guide to Iran’s rocky limestone oil platform in Persian Gulf

Kharg Island, also referred to as Khark, sits like a majestic crown in the Persian Gulf as a coral island. This rocky limestone is home to an oil platform export and located within thirty-eight kilometres from Bandar Genaveh and approximately seventy km west of Bushehr, an Iranian city located in the Persian Gulf.

This historically significant island spans eight kilometres in length and four kilometres in width. It lies centrally in the Persian Gulf, currently home to around eight thousand local Bandari residents. Takht Mountain rises in the northern part of Kharg Island, while Gardan Shotor Mountain stands to the south. The mountains of Lashkari and Dideban are visible on the western side. Additionally, a smaller island named Kharago lies to the north of Kharg Island.

Explore Ancient heritage & highlights, Altogether on → Best Iran Tour Packages

Where is Kharg / Khark Island on the map?

History of Kharg Island

Khark Island, located near Bushehr city, spans approximately 4 by 8 kilometres. Its advantageous geographical location and availability of fresh water have historically facilitated human settlement and attracted diverse ethnic groups since the end of the second millennium BCE.

Archaeological excavations and ongoing surveys show that people inhabited Kharg Island during the Elamite, Achaemenid, and Sassanian periods. Subsequently, it has consistently drawn merchants and ethnic groups from various regions. The earliest recorded reference to Kharg Island appears in the work of a 3rd-century Hijri poet. Subsequent texts frequently highlight the island’s verdant landscape and the superior quality of its pearls.

Oil Explore from the Kharg Island

On 17 November 1339, under the watch of Mohammad Reza Shah, Kharg Island dispatched its inaugural oil export to Europe, establishing itself as a pivotal global oil export base. This development marked a significant transformation in the island’s identity and that of its inhabitants. Presently, with the operational from the Petrochemical Company, the Iranian Continental Plateau Oil, Iranian oil, and various other industries, Kharg Island stands as one of the most industrial islands in Iran.

By exporting over 90% of Iranian oil, it has generated substantial employment opportunities for the island’s residents and those in its vicinity. The island is home to a diverse and cohesive community of Shia and Sunni Muslims, including long-established Khargi families as well as individuals who have migrated from Bushehr province. Check out Iran Religion

Best Things to do in Kharg Island

This vessel, reminiscent of the Greek ship from Kish Island but not featured in any blog post or photographs, remained neglected and abandoned in isolation. It is a Korean cargo ship that Iraqi MiGs struck and destroyed during the Iran-Iraq War. The evocative sunset photographs provided a stark contrast. Despite the island itself enduring over 2000 attacks during the war, its operations remained uninterrupted. The intense evening heat proved challenging since we were inadequately prepared for such weather. Therefore, we promptly contacted the agency and returned home.

Oshtor hill

Since the beautiful island is all surrounded by the crystal clear azure beaches, walking around would eventually taking you to a long referred hill, called Oshtor Hill. From here, you’ll have the ocean under your evens, the hill features striking cliffs, a delightful view over the Persian Gulf and the surrounding ocean road.

Ruins of an ancient church from Sassanid era

Right behind the stairs leading to the nearby “Khargo island” and its amazing beach, there is a huge site dates back to the 7-8 centuries AD referring to an ancient church. Nothing much remains however, the crumbling church testimony the life of christian in the Island since 7 centuries AD.

The history of this church and the Nestorian theology dates back to the Sassanid period. Following the political and religious conflicts between Persia and ancient Rome, and the resultant instability for Christians residing in Iran, the Nestorian sect emerged as the sole Christian denomination in ancient Persia, by the church council’s decision. Consequently, they established a sect with significant similarities to Zoroastrianism.

Harku (Khargu) Island

Kharko Island, situated in the Persian Gulf and part of Bushehr Province, is one of Iran’s many tiny islands. It measures approximately 8 kilometres in length and 400 metres in width. Additionally, a small, uninhabited island lies 2.5 KM from Kharg Island to which, from certain points, it is possible to view the island’s opposite side.

The flora & Fauna of Kharg Island

Khark Island, alongside Kharko Island, boasts exceptional ecological value, hosting a distinctive community of corals and marine fauna. The island serves as a vital nesting site for thousands of aquatic and semi-aquatic birds. The predominant vegetation in this region includes kanaar, mesquite, fig trees, temples, Bengal figs, and various herbaceous plants. Additionally, the flora features gladiolus, sefid serish, temeshkin ashgabadi, cucumber, gramours, naz biabani, ahomash shor dost, mashgak, temple figs, Arabic Silen, Egyptian sage, as well as non-shrub and shrub cover types such as sunflower cover.

The most significant animal species in this region is the deer, introduced to the island approximately 150 years ago. Despite enduring various human conflicts and natural constraints, such as drought, the deer have persisted on the island, adapting to and becoming integrated with the local environment. Additionally, the island hosts migratory birds, dolphins, and sea turtles, all of which contribute to the island’s diverse wildlife.

What’s the Kharg Island’s weather?

The Kharg island experiences approximately six months of summer, starting from March and until October. Winters are considerably short and mild. The Island’s climate is considerably warm and humid.

Khark Island facilities

On Khark Island, both traditional and modern architectural styles are present, with traditional houses constructed by the locals, mainly in a villa style. The island hosts various institutions, including the Relief Committee, Welfare Department, Social Security office, Education Department, Health Centre, and Bank Branches.

Khark Island’s Historic tourist attractions

Khark Island features several significant historical monuments, including Achaemenid ossuaries, a Nestorian church from the Sassanian era, a temple dedicated to Poseidon, stone rails, the Dutch Fortress, numerous gardens, and the remnants of a burnt oil tanker. Additionally, two ancient rocks, known as Do Khaharun (meaning “Two Sisters”), which were approximately three thousand years old, no longer exist; however, local lore continues to recount stories about them.

On Khark Island, a stone relief inscribed with cuneiform script, originating from either the Achaemenid Dynasty or the Elamite Empire, once existed. This artefact sustained damage and was ultimately destroyed in 1387 SH, although scholars decoded and read the inscription before its destruction. The text includes a passage stating, “This land was dry and not irrigated. Through my efforts… from wells… it became irrigated.”

Another historical rock carved from the reign of Darius the Great concerns the establishment of a base on Khark Island following his conquest of India. Darius commissioned the construction of this base to enhance the Persian navy’s operations along the Indus River.

Liberation of Khark Island in 18th century

In the mid-eighteenth century, Khark Island witnessed two significant battles between the Iranian army, led by Mir Mehna, and the Dutch, British, and Portuguese forces. Following the Iranian army’s victory, Khark Island became liberated as the foreign forces withdrew from Iranian territory.

Diverse wildlife in Khark Island

Khark Island supports a diverse range of wildlife, including gazelles, hawksbill sea turtles, green sea turtles, goats, large white-headed seagulls, ospreys, house crows, and various migratory birds. The aquatic fauna of Khark Island comprises species such as fish, crabs, shrimps, and leopard sharks, contributing to the island’s distinctive ecological profile.