Siraf
Siraf, a legendary ancient port, was located on the north shore of what is now the Iranian coast on the Persian Gulf. Its ruins are approximately 220 km from Bushire and 380 km west of Bandar Abbas. The Persian Gulf was used as a boat route between the Arabian Peninsula and India. Small boats could make the long journey by staying close to the coast keeping land in sight.
Hejira, Baghdad was the capital of the Arab world world in 145 AD, and IslamicFar East lands began to flourish at this port because of the vast expansion of trade. The first contact between Siraf and China occurred in 185 AD and by the 4th century it was a busy port. However, over time trade routes shifted to the Red Sea and Siraf was forgotten. Cities were the main consumers of traded goods. According to David Whitehouse, one of the first archeologists to study the ancient ruins of Serif, marine trade between the Persian Gulf and
The historical importance of Siraf to ancient trade is only now being realised. Discovered there in past archaeological excavations are ivory objects from east Africa, pieces of stone from India, and lapis from Afghanistan. Sirif dates back to the Parthian era.
Siraf has not been yet registered on the list of national heritage sites of Iran. This is needed so that it will be preserved and maintained.
Googlemap link: 27.39 N 52.20 E