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Bandar Lengeh
Bandar Lengeh
from Wikipedia

Bandar Lengeh (Persian: بندرلنگه)[a] is a city in the Central District of Bandar Lengeh County, Hormozgan province, Iran, serving as capital of both the county and the district.[4]

Key Information

Bandar Lengeh is a port city on the Persian Gulf, 280 km (170 mi) from Lar, 192 km (119 mi) from Bandar Abbas, and 420 km (260 mi) from Bushehr. The weather in Bandar Lengeh is hot and humid, typical of coastal cities in southern Iran.

History

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The British attacking the pirate port of Linga on 16 November 1809

Lengeh was a center for trade between Oman and Iran for over 60 years, from 1759 to 1814. After 1814, Bandar Abbas played a major role in regional trade.

Demographics

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Language

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The linguistic composition of the city:[5]

Bandar Lengeh linguistic composition
language percent
Larestani/Achomi
49.5%
Bandari
20%
Arabic
20%
New Persian
10%
Koroshi
0.5%

Population

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At the time of the 2006 National Census, the city's population was 25,303 in 5,589 households.[6] The following census in 2011 counted 30,478 people in 6,735 households.[7] The 2016 census measured the population of the city as 30,435 people in 8,452 households.[2]

Climate

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Bandar Lengeh has a hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh) with hot summers and mild winters. Precipitation is very low, and mostly falls from December to March.

Climate data for Bandar Lengeh (1991–2020, extremes 1966–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 31.6
(88.9)
32.4
(90.3)
36.0
(96.8)
43.4
(110.1)
49.0
(120.2)
49.0
(120.2)
47.0
(116.6)
44.0
(111.2)
44.4
(111.9)
42.5
(108.5)
37.3
(99.1)
32.0
(89.6)
49.0
(120.2)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 22.9
(73.2)
24.1
(75.4)
26.8
(80.2)
31.4
(88.5)
35.4
(95.7)
36.8
(98.2)
37.8
(100.0)
37.8
(100.0)
36.3
(97.3)
33.8
(92.8)
29.3
(84.7)
25.0
(77.0)
31.5
(88.7)
Daily mean °C (°F) 18.6
(65.5)
19.8
(67.6)
22.4
(72.3)
26.6
(79.9)
30.5
(86.9)
32.5
(90.5)
34.1
(93.4)
34.2
(93.6)
32.5
(90.5)
29.5
(85.1)
24.9
(76.8)
20.6
(69.1)
27.2
(81.0)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 14.5
(58.1)
15.6
(60.1)
18.0
(64.4)
21.8
(71.2)
25.6
(78.1)
28.2
(82.8)
30.6
(87.1)
31.0
(87.8)
28.6
(83.5)
24.8
(76.6)
20.2
(68.4)
16.3
(61.3)
22.9
(73.2)
Record low °C (°F) 6.0
(42.8)
7.0
(44.6)
9.1
(48.4)
10.0
(50.0)
16.0
(60.8)
20.0
(68.0)
22.0
(71.6)
24.0
(75.2)
20.9
(69.6)
17.0
(62.6)
9.0
(48.2)
6.0
(42.8)
6.0
(42.8)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 34.9
(1.37)
19.0
(0.75)
26.4
(1.04)
3.5
(0.14)
0.3
(0.01)
0.1
(0.00)
1.0
(0.04)
0.0
(0.0)
0.1
(0.00)
0.1
(0.00)
12.6
(0.50)
29.4
(1.16)
127.4
(5.02)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 2.9 1.9 2.6 0.7 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 1.3 2.3 12.0
Average relative humidity (%) 62.0 62.0 64.0 60.0 61.0 66.0 66.0 66.0 66.0 63.0 58.0 60.0 62.8
Average dew point °C (°F) 11.0
(51.8)
12.4
(54.3)
15.2
(59.4)
18.1
(64.6)
21.6
(70.9)
25.4
(77.7)
27.2
(81.0)
27.2
(81.0)
25.5
(77.9)
21.7
(71.1)
15.9
(60.6)
12.4
(54.3)
19.5
(67.1)
Mean monthly sunshine hours 243.0 228.0 241.0 267.0 322.0 321.0 293.0 289.0 275.0 291.0 258.0 246.0 3,274
Source: NOAA[8][9]
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See also

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  • Media related to Bandar Lengeh at Wikimedia Commons

flag Iran portal

Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Bandar Lengeh is a historic port in , southern Iran, situated on the northern coast of the approximately 190 kilometers southeast of . With a population of 30,435 as recorded in the 2016 Iranian , it serves as the administrative center of Bandar Lengeh County, which encompasses 159,358 residents across an area of 7,617 square kilometers. The city experiences a hot (Köppen BWh), characterized by sweltering summers with average highs exceeding 38°C (100°F), mild winters around 20°C (68°F), and minimal annual precipitation of about 86 mm, supporting limited but facilitating maritime activities. Historically, Bandar Lengeh emerged as a significant commercial hub following the Portuguese expulsion from Hormuz in 1622, with migrations from and the arrival of the Qawasim Arab tribe boosting its development during the Safavid and Zand periods. It flourished as a key between and from 1759 to 1814, and reached its economic peak in the early under Qajar rule, particularly during the second Naseri era (circa ), driven by tax-free imports, pearl diving, and its role as a distribution point for goods along the Arabian coast. The city's decline began in the late due to reforms, increased , and insecurity, reducing its prominence by 1930 as larger ports like overshadowed it. Today, Bandar Lengeh's economy centers on , shrimping, and processing, with the region contributing significantly to Iran's exports—fish and fishery products exports rose 30% in 2024 compared to the prior year—alongside maritime with neighbors and limited agriculture. The remains vital for local livelihoods, supporting over 4,500 vessels in and facilitating connections to islands like Kish.

Geography

Location and Topography

Bandar Lengeh is situated in , , along the northern coast of the , serving as the capital of Bandar Lengeh County. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 26°33′29″N 54°52′50″E. The city lies about 280 km southeast of Lar, 192 km west of , and 420 km southeast of , positioning it as a key midpoint along the Persian Gulf coastline. Topographically, Bandar Lengeh occupies a flat that extends narrowly from the shoreline, with elevations generally below 50 meters above and rising gradually to an arid plateau backed by rugged escarpments of the . The surrounding landscapes are predominantly arid, characterized by dry scrub vegetation and saline soils typical of the region's semi-desert environment. This coastal setting provides Bandar Lengeh with a natural harbor, facilitating maritime access and historically supporting trade routes across the .

Climate

Bandar Lengeh experiences a hot classified as Köppen BWh, characterized by extreme and high temperatures throughout much of the year. Summer months, from May to , bring intense heat with average high temperatures reaching up to 38°C (100°F), while winter temperatures from to remain mild, with average highs around 23°C (73°F) and lows around 13°C (55°F). Annual is low, averaging 138 mm, with most rainfall occurring during the winter months and arid conditions dominating the rest of the year. Due to its coastal location along the , Bandar Lengeh has elevated humidity levels, particularly in summer, which often make the heat feel muggy and oppressive. These climatic conditions result in significant , leading residents to rely heavily on plants and water imports to meet daily needs.

History

Pre-Modern Period

Bandar Lengeh first emerged as a notable in the during the Afghan crisis that destabilized the region. It developed into a significant commercial hub in the mid-18th century, around , establishing itself as a under the control of the al-Qawāsim tribe by 1760. The al-Qawāsim, an Arab tribal confederation from the , leveraged the port's strategic location on the Iranian coast to facilitate maritime commerce, transforming it from a minor into a bustling . From 1759 to 1814, Bandar Lengeh served as a vital trade hub bridging and , handling a diverse array of goods including spices, textiles, pearls, , , and carpets, while also participating in the slave trade. This period marked its peak as a for the , where Omani merchants and Iranian traders exchanged commodities tax-free, fostering economic prosperity amid regional power vacuums. The port's connections extended to broader trade networks, linking it with for textiles and spices, for slaves and ivory, and the for dates and pearls, thereby integrating it into a wider Indo-Arab . In 1809, British forces from the Bombay Marine launched a military action against Bandar Lengeh, destroying 20 al-Qawāsim vessels in response to its reputation as a base for piracy that threatened British shipping in the Gulf. This intervention, part of the broader Persian Gulf campaign, weakened the al-Qawāsim's naval power and disrupted local trade routes. The port faced further assaults in 1811 from the Imam of Muscat, an adversary of the al-Qawāsim, exacerbating its vulnerabilities. Although British actions diminished the al-Qawāsim's maritime strength, the tribe retained control of Bandar Lengeh until 1887, when Persian authorities under the Qajars enforced central control by hoisting the national flag and integrating the port administratively. The port flourished as a key trade center into the early 19th century, particularly during the Naseri era (1830s–1870s), but entered a phase of decline in the late 19th century due to central government tax reforms, increased smuggling, and insecurity, which redirected trade to larger ports like Bandar Abbas and reduced Lengeh's prominence by the early 20th century.

Modern Era

Following the establishment of the in 1925, Bandar Lengeh was integrated into the centralized Iranian state under Pahlavi, marking the end of its previous semi-autonomous status and lingering foreign influences from the Qajar era. This consolidation strengthened national control over the port but coincided with a period of economic decline, as expanded activities and insecurity in the surrounding hinterlands diminished legitimate and . During , Bandar Lengeh fell under British occupation as part of the Allied control of following the 1941 Anglo-Soviet invasion, serving as a minor supply point in the broader network that facilitated the transit of materials from the to the via rail and road routes. The port's limited infrastructure restricted its role compared to larger facilities like Khorramshahr and Bandar Abbas, but it contributed to the overall Allied logistics effort amid the global conflict. The 1979 Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) contributed to broader economic challenges in , including sanctions that affected Persian Gulf ports. In recent years, efforts to revitalize the port have gained momentum, with 2021 initiatives positioning Bandar Lengeh as a key gateway for trade with Central Asian countries through enhanced transit and export capabilities. As of 2025, agricultural exports via the port increased by 21 percent in the first seven months of the Iranian year (ending October 2025), primarily comprising fruits, vegetables, and other non-oil goods destined for Gulf markets.

Demographics

According to the 2016 national census conducted by the Statistical Center of , Bandar Lengeh had a of 30,435 residents. This figure reflects a slight decline from the 2011 census, which recorded 30,478 inhabitants, indicating an annual growth rate of approximately -0.03% over the intervening five years. Earlier censuses show a pattern of steady expansion: the population stood at 26,175 in 2006 and 21,073 in 1996, demonstrating consistent growth averaging around 1-2% annually in the late , driven by the city's role as a key hub. This historical uptrend traces back to the early , when Bandar Lengeh's population began increasing due to enhanced port activities and maritime trade, which attracted settlers and merchants to the coastal area. By the 1970s, amid regional development spillover from nearby ports like , the population had reached about 9,000, setting the stage for further urban expansion in subsequent decades. Recent decades have seen continued urban growth, with infrastructure improvements supporting a denser settlement pattern. Bandar Lengeh's demographics are predominantly urban, with the city proper accounting for about 19% of the county's inhabitants as of 2016, while surrounding areas consist of small rural villages. Migration patterns have influenced this distribution, with notable inflows from rural parts of drawn by employment opportunities in trade and port-related jobs. Ethnic diversity, including and Persian communities, adds to the demographic composition but has not significantly altered the overall growth trajectory. Looking ahead, population projections remain limited beyond the data (the latest available figures), though potential increases are linked to ongoing port development initiatives aimed at boosting maritime capacity in the .

Ethnic and Linguistic Composition

Bandar Lengeh exhibits a diverse ethnic and linguistic composition shaped by its position as a historic port on the coast in , . The population, which stood at 30,435 according to the , reflects a mix of ethnic groups including , (particularly Huwala), Larestani (also known as Achomi), and minor Balochi influences stemming from regional trade networks. Huwala , who migrated from the in the and later, form a significant community, often associated with and maritime activities, while Larestani people trace their origins to migrations from the interior highlands of . Linguistically, the area features a blend of Iranic and , with Larestani/Achomi being prominent among the Larestani population, alongside Bandari dialects of Persian spoken widely along the coast. Arabic is prevalent due to the Huwala presence and ongoing Gulf interactions, serving as a key in coastal communities near Bandar Lengeh. functions as the , used in administration and , while minor dialects like Koroshi (a Southern Balochi variant) appear in scattered pockets influenced by trade with eastern neighbors. This multilingual environment fosters practical bilingualism or trilingualism in daily life, particularly in where and Persian facilitate trade with Gulf states, and local dialects like Larestani and Bandari are retained in domestic and cultural settings. The historical migrations from the and Iranian interior have reinforced this diversity, contributing to a cosmopolitan social fabric without a single dominant ethnic group.

Economy

Port and Maritime Trade

Bandar Lengeh's benefits from a natural harbor along the , providing sheltered waters for handling a range of exports and imports, including non-oil goods and petroleum products. The facility includes two multipurpose berths and a dock with a total length of 470 meters and a draft of 7-9 meters, enabling efficient regional shipping. Its annual capacity stands at approximately 1.5 million tons, supporting transit routes that connect to via overland networks. In recent years, the port has seen upgrades, such as renovations to the eastern and installation of fire alarm systems, as part of a comprehensive approved in 2021 with a 2025 outlook to boost operational efficiency. The port serves as a vital gateway for agricultural products, particularly fruits and vegetables, with exports through Bandar Lengeh rising 21% in the first seven months of the Iranian year 2025 (March-October) compared to the prior period, primarily directed to Gulf neighbors. Other key commodities include , , salt, and materials, contributing to non-oil trade volumes that reached over 1.8 million tons of non-oil in a nine-month span ending in late 2020. These shipments underscore the port's role in facilitating seasonal produce from southern Iran's farms to regional markets, often via small vessels to nearby destinations. Major trade partners encompass Gulf states such as the and , alongside Central Asian countries that utilize the port for inbound and outbound cargo. For instance, exports to the UAE alone accounted for over $811 million in value from May 2024 to April 2025, highlighting strong bilateral maritime links. These partnerships build on the port's longstanding position as a regional hub, with historical foundations in pre-modern trade networks that extended to areas like and through pearl and commodity exchanges. Strategically, Bandar Lengeh holds significance as the closest Iranian port to several UAE facilities, at just 150 km from , positioning it as a preferred entry for transit bound for and beyond. Ongoing expansion initiatives aim to enhance its capacity for exports, imports, and passenger services, reinforcing its contribution to Iran's broader maritime economy and connectivity along the North-South Corridor. Despite these advantages, the port encounters challenges from competition with larger facilities like and Shahid Rajaee, which handle approximately 80 million tons annually, accounting for more than half of Iran's total trade—due to their advanced multimodal infrastructure and greater scale. Limited facilities at Bandar Lengeh can constrain its growth in attracting larger international carriers, though its niche in regional and agricultural trade helps mitigate some pressures.

Agriculture and Other Sectors

Agriculture in Bandar Lengeh is constrained by the region's arid climate and limited freshwater resources, relying heavily on systems to sustain cultivation. The primary crop is the , with the local Khanizi variety being prominent; these trees are grown across older plantations in the area, contributing to Hormozgan province's overall production of 140,000 tons of dates annually from 37,000 hectares. Vegetable and fruit farming, including tomatoes, onions, eggplants, and like limes and mangoes, is practiced on a smaller scale using and greenhouses to produce off-season yields that support local food needs. These efforts face ongoing challenges from , prompting sustainable practices such as efficient to maintain productivity. Beyond , remains a vital sector for Bandar Lengeh's coastal communities, focusing on small-scale operations in the that yield a portion of Hormozgan's 321,000 tons of annual marine catch (as of 2024), including and finfish; national exports have shown growth of 17-32% in early 2025, with Hormozgan leading production. Small-scale is limited due to climatic constraints, encompassing basic processing of agricultural and products, while services, particularly tourism-related, involve guiding visitors to sites like the Lashtan Fortress and supporting eco-tourism in areas. Employment in these non-maritime sectors primarily supports local livelihoods, with providing essential amid a dominated by trade activities. Recent trends include the export of date and produce to bolster regional income, though industrial growth remains modest owing to environmental limitations. initiatives in Hormozgan emphasize economic diversification through sustainable farming techniques, such as expanded cultivation and improved infrastructure, to enhance resilience and productivity in Bandar Lengeh.

Culture and Society

Local Traditions and Heritage

Bandar Lengeh's cultural traditions reflect a unique fusion of Persian, , and Achomi influences, shaped by centuries of maritime and migration across the . The Huwala s, primarily Sunni tribes who settled in the region, contributed to a migratory culture known as havaleh, where communities emphasized mobility and economic interdependence through commerce in goods like pearls, , and carpets. Achomi customs, rooted in the Larestani dialect and local beliefs such as raising green flags to honor returns from or , blend with Persian practices to create communal rituals that celebrate seafaring life. Maritime festivals in Bandar Lengeh and surrounding Hormozgan coastal areas are tied to seasons, marking the onset of and with events like Fishermen's , where communities gather for boat processions, music, and feasts to invoke safe voyages and bountiful harvests. These gatherings highlight the port's heritage as a for the Arabian coast, fostering social bonds through shared and dances that echo the rhythms of Gulf . Oral histories passed down in circles recount the al-Qawāsim era, when the port served as a base for seafaring engaged in both legitimate and , with tales of naval skirmishes and British interventions in and transforming it from a "pirate's nest" to a hub of peaceful exchange. Local cuisine emphasizes seafood prepared with Gulf spices, featuring dishes like ghalieh mahi—a tangy stew of fish, , , and herbs—and meygou polo, shrimp rice infused with and , which sustain trade-season gatherings. Date-based sweets, such as those sweetened with syrup and , complement these meals, drawing from the region's abundance and Arab-Persian culinary exchanges. Social structure in Bandar Lengeh centers on family-oriented communities, where extended households maintain strong ties through multilingual interactions in Persian (often with an Achomi accent), , and trade languages like , facilitating with Gulf neighbors. This diversity, with a historically mixed population of roughly half and half Persian, promotes inclusive customs like joint celebrations of . Religious practices are predominantly , aligning with Iran's national context, but include significant Sunni minorities from Huwala groups who maintain distinct traditions, such as those at the Dar al-Ulum in Bandar Lengeh, emphasizing tolerant coexistence amid shared maritime heritage.

Tourism and Notable Sites

Bandar Lengeh, situated along the in Iran's , attracts visitors with its blend of coastal relaxation, historical remnants from the pearl trade era, and emerging eco-tourism opportunities. The town's strategic location has positioned it as a gateway for exploring the region's maritime heritage, drawing travelers interested in authentic Gulf experiences beyond more commercialized ports like or . Tourism here emphasizes serene beaches, preserved 19th-century structures, and vibrant local markets, with infrastructure improvements supporting gradual growth in visitor numbers. The coastline offers prime spots for relaxation and water activities, particularly at Kowsar Coastal Park, a seaside promenade featuring walking paths, cafes, and stunning sunset views over the turquoise waters. Visitors can engage in leisurely strolls or basic water sports through nearby clubs, such as the Water Sport Club, which provides equipment for and amid calm, shallow bays ideal for families. These beaches highlight the area's unspoiled natural beauty, with soft sands and gentle waves appealing to those seeking respite from urban hustle. Historical sites in Bandar Lengeh reflect its prominence as a 19th-century trade hub, especially for pearls, with remnants including the Afghan Mosque built in 1853, showcasing Afsharid-era architecture with intricate tilework on Enghelab Street. The Maghuyeh Castle, constructed in 1902 during the Qajar period, stands 45 km from the city center as a fortress with a watchtower and bathhouse, symbolizing defensive structures from the late trade era. Older port influences are evident in the nearby Lashthan Castle, a Portuguese-era stronghold from the perched on Mountain, 6 km west of town, offering panoramic views and markers of early maritime commerce. These sites, along with the Fekri Mansion—a Qajar residence with five traditional windcatchers—provide insights into the town's evolution as a bustling . Traditional souks, such as the Masa Market on Dashteghib Street, serve as lively hubs where visitors can purchase pearls—a nod to Lengeh's historical role as a major pearl-exporting center in the —alongside spices, embroidered textiles, and wooden handicrafts crafted by local artisans. These covered markets bustle with vendors offering Gulf-sourced goods like dates, , and silver jewelry, providing an immersive shopping experience that captures the town's trading legacy without the crowds of larger bazaars. Natural features enhance eco-tourism potential, including Shidvar Island, an uninhabited paradise 1.5 km off Lavan Island accessible by , featuring pristine sandy shores, rocky coves, and diverse birdlife for nature hikes and snorkeling. Nearby, the Baghuyeh Shabikouh Gorge in Baghuyeh Village presents dramatic eroded rock formations and natural pools, ideal for light trekking amid a rugged desert-meets-sea . While mangroves are more prominent in adjacent areas like Qeshm, Lengeh's coastal habitats support tidal ecosystems suitable for guided tours observing marine . As a secondary destination, Bandar Lengeh is gaining traction with improved access via Bandar Lengeh (7 km from downtown), ferries from , and roads connecting to major hubs, alongside eco-lodges like Sadaf Coastal Eco-Lodge for sustainable stays. The port's 21% rise in agricultural exports during the first seven months of the Iranian calendar year 1404 (March–October 2025) signals economic vitality that could further promote through enhanced local services and cultural events as of November 2025. Peak seasons in autumn and winter see increased visitors for festivals, though accommodations remain limited, encouraging early bookings.

References

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