To get acquainted with Minoo Island, it is necessary to first know its close neighbors. Abadan and Khorramshahr are located close to Minoo Island, so to reach this beautiful island, one must seek help from these two cities.
Abadan County is a stunning peninsula near Minoo Island, stretching 46 kilometers in length and between 3 to 20 kilometers in width in the delta of the Arvand River, between the Bahmanshir and Karun rivers, and in the mouth of the Persian Gulf, 110 kilometers from Ahvaz, neighboring Kuwait, and Iraq.
Abadan city is located at approximately 30 degrees 22 minutes 30 seconds north latitude and 48 degrees 12 minutes 30 seconds east longitude from the Greenwich Meridian, with an elevation of 2 meters above sea level. Abadan County covers an area of about 2063 square kilometers.
Abadan County, very close to Minoo Island, is known as the wettest city in Khuzestan province due to the flow of the Arvand and Bahmanshir rivers, along with its oil refinery, petrochemical plant, and access to open waters, giving it an important position in the country’s economy.
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The Prosperity of Abadan
Agriculture in Abadan is dedicated to the cultivation of date palms. It is estimated that there are 4 million palm trees in this region, including varieties such as ‘Samaran Barehi’, ‘Ghantar’, and ‘Halawi’, and which can be seen on this Island.
The markets of this city are bustling with visitors who come to shop, giving it a unique atmosphere. The various markets and bazaars of the beautiful town of Abadan, including Amiri Street, Fish Market, Grand Market, Kuwaiti Bazaar, and other commercial areas, witness a large number of tourists and travelers from all over the country.
According to the latest census, the population of Abadan County is over 290,000.
Beautiful Khorramshahr near Minoo Island
Khorramshahr County, near Minoo Island, is between 48 degrees 1 minute to 48 degrees 30 minutes east longitude from the Greenwich Meridian and 30 degrees 19 minutes to 30 degrees 58 minutes north latitude from the equator. It is one of the southern cities of Khuzestan province, previously known as Mohammareh, with a population of 175,000, situated in the marshy and lowland region of the delta of the Arvand River.
Economy of Khorramshahr
Khorramshahr was the first and largest port in the Middle East before the Iran-Iraq War and is now the country’s second-largest container port. The strategic and commercial position of this port has been instrumental in the development of this city.
Charm of Khorramshahr
The flow of the Karun River through this city, dividing it into two parts, and the bridges connecting these two parts over the turbulent and vibrant Karun River, add a beautiful touch. Especially at night, with boats and ships passing through, especially passenger boats and floating restaurants, the beauty of the Karun River and the city of Khorramshahr becomes even more enchanting. However, the indescribable scene of the sunset on the horizon of the Khorramshahr sky, blending redness with the palm trees reaching toward the sky, has eluded any skilled painter and left any poet speechless. Therefore, the commercial vibrancy and human development of Khorramshahr have always been the envy of enemies and the target of colonial greed to the extent that this city has witnessed and been the arena of several major wars throughout history, seeking help from its own islands like Minoo Island.
Introduction to Minoo Island
this Island is one of the islands of Iran located in Khuzestan province. This island was previously known as Salbukh and before that as Mahaleh Island. It is situated between Abadan and Khorramshahr, with the Arvandrud River bifurcating it.
This island is 10 meters above sea level and is located 10 kilometers away from Khorramshahr. The largest diameter of Minoo Island is 6.2 kilometers and its area is 17.8 square kilometers. Minoo City is a small city located on the island and is the largest settlement on the island. The city has a population of about 12,000 people. This city serves as a recreational destination for the residents of Abadan and Khorramshahr.
The economy of Minoo Island
Agriculture and livestock farming have a special place on Minoo Island. The life of the people in Minoo City in the past was based on animal husbandry and agriculture with date palm cultivation, but currently, with the establishment of industrial companies (such as the Abadan refinery, petrochemicals, etc.), some of the residents of Minoo City are engaged in activities beyond animal husbandry and agriculture in these types of companies. Due to the abundant rivers, the villages of Minoo City are irregular linear or longitudinal villages formed along a river or road. this Island has 5 rivers flowing through it, two of which branch from the Jorof River and three from the Arvandrud.
This island is one of the few places in the world where irrigation is done through tidal water without the need for artificial means. Minoo Island is covered with palm groves, providing a suitable environment for migratory birds. Its extensive marshes serve as a sanctuary for wild animals such as deer. The residents of Minoo are known for their noble and hospitable Arab guests, hence the common language of the city residents is Arabic.
Minoo Island is a tourist attraction close to the cities of Khorramshahr and Abadan, offering unique climatic and cultural features, attracting a large number of adventurous tourists annually. Situated in Khuzestan Province, the island is famous for its beautiful palm groves. It is abundant in palm trees and vast marshes, hosting a significant animal population. Some of the burnt palm trees in this area are remnants of wounds from the war. Minoo City is the largest residential area on the island, sometimes referred to as the entire island. This area is of great importance in terms of historical richness and natural beauty.
4 Must-Visit Attractions Around Minoo Island
There are many tourist attractions near Minoo Island, but we will mention 4 of them:
- Abadan Bazaar: Located 10 kilometers from Minoo Island, this market caters to every need and taste.
- Abadan Museum: Situated 10.8 kilometers from Minoo Island, this museum houses 630 historical artifacts with a rich history, mostly from the historical sites of Shush and Chogha Zanbil.
- Shadegan Marsh: One of Iran’s largest marshes, located 70 kilometers from Minoo Island. Shadegan Marsh consists of three marshes: Khor Musa, Shadegan, and Khor Al-Omayeh.
- Khorramshahr War Museum: Located 18 kilometers from Minoo Island, this museum preserves valuable artifacts from the 8-year Iran-Iraq war, always reminding visitors of the courage of the Iranian people.
Among the other attractions of Minoo Island, one can mention getting familiar with the culture of the people in this region, who are mostly of Arab descent. It may be hard to believe, but the history of this island dates back to the Sumerians according to some sources. By traveling to this island, you can step into the heart of history. Additionally, on this island, docks and recreational areas have been prepared for travelers to make the experience of traveling to this pristine area more enjoyable.
Climate and Tourism of Minoo Island
The weather on Minoo Island is mostly warm throughout the year. People travel to this beautiful island in all seasons, but the number of trips in summer is very low. Except for summer, the number of trips in other seasons is high. The best time to travel to this Island is from mid-autumn to mid-spring.
Southern Foods in Minoo City
In Minoo Island, you can try various local Southern and Arab dishes, and we also recommend not to miss out on Arab coffee. Foods like Machboos, Kibbeh, Ghaliye stew, various types of stuffed fish, and many more are among the local dishes you can enjoy on this island.
Souvenirs of Minoo Island
The souvenirs of Minoo Island are part of the culture of the people in this region. Among the souvenirs of Minoo Island, you can mention 30 types of dates and handicrafts made by the local women of this Island.
Minoo Island with its beautiful palm groves mesmerizes any observer with its beauty and speaks of burnt palms as remnants of wounds from the war. These extensive palm groves host migratory birds during a particular season of the year, birds that add to the beauty of this island with their presence.
Minoo Island and the war
This island, which serves as a recreational spot for the people of Abadan and Khorramshahr, holds many memories of the Sacred Defense era within itself.
The Epic of Minoo Island
On the morning of the 20th of September 1980, the residents of Minoo Island suddenly saw several Iraqi planes pass over their palm trees with military decorations, flying from the sky of this island towards Abadan. A few seconds later, their bombs were dropped on the Abadan airport and oil refinery. The people of this Island, who had heard the drums of war months ago and tasted the venom of Ba’athist enmity, prepared themselves to confront the enemy, but their hands were empty, and they entrusted the solution to the Sepah and the Army.
This island was the center of gravity for the warriors during the Sacred Defense in the glorious “Operation Karbala-4”. An operation in which the powerful warriors of the Islamic Army, by crossing the Arvand River, shattered one of the world’s most solid coastal defense lines.
In this sacred place, the diving units created an epic that, even years later, their saga remains alive and enduring.
History
At least until 1880 AD, Minoo Island belonged to the Nasar and Drees tribes (from the tribes of Khuzestan). Until 1375, Minoo City was known as Chomeh. this Island also played an important role in the eight years of the Sacred Defense. The people of this island showed exemplary valor in the early days of the war. Also, towards the end of the war, this Island played a significant role in Operations Valfajr-8 and Karbala-4, witnessing many military events.
Access Routes
The best way to reach the island after arriving in Khuzestan province is to travel to one of the cities such as Khorramshahr or Abadan.
Traveling from Khorramshahr: Initially, continue your route south on the road, and after about 12 kilometers of driving, you will reach your destination.
Traveling from Abadan: If you intend to go to the island from this direction, you need to go 12 kilometers west from Abadan to reach your destination. Another way is to go to Abadan Airport and cover the short distance of 7 kilometers to this Island.
In the vicinity, there are beautiful villages worth visiting such as Mo’af village in Khorramshahr, Badrieh village in Khorramshahr, Naqsh-e Heir village in Abadan, and Qanemieh village.
Final words
Minoo Island, a serene and picturesque destination, is a hidden gem located in the Persian Gulf. Known for its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere, this Island offers a perfect escape for those seeking relaxation and adventure. In this article, we explored the unique features of this Island, its ecological significance, and the activities available for visitors to enjoy.
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FAQ
How can I reach Minoo Island?
Minoo Island is accessible by boat from the mainland near the city of Abadan in the Khuzestan Province. Visitors can arrange boat trips to the island through local tour operators or transportation services.
What activities are available on Minoo Island?
Visitors to Minoo Island can enjoy a variety of activities, including birdwatching, water sports such as kayaking and snorkeling, hiking, and nature walks. The island’s diverse landscapes offer opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
When is the best time to visit Minoo Island?
The best time to visit Minoo Island is during the cooler months, from October to April, when the weather is mild and pleasant, allowing for enjoyable outdoor activities and exploration.
Are there accommodations available on Minoo Island?
While Minoo Island is primarily a natural destination, visitors can find accommodations in nearby Abadan or arrange for day trips to the island. It is advisable to plan accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.