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'{{dablink|This article is about the Iranian island. For other uses, see [[Kish (disambiguation)]].}} {{Refimprove|date=January 2009}} {{Infobox settlement <!-- Basic info ----------------> |official_name = Kish Island |other_name = |native_name = جزیره‌ی کیش |nickname = |image_skyline = Dariush Grand Hotel - 2.jpg |image_caption = [[Dariush Hotel|Dariush International Hotel]] in Kish. |settlement_type = <!--For Town or Village (Leave blank for the default City)--> |motto = |pushpin_map = Iran |pushpin_label_position = <!-- the position of the pushpin label: left, right, top, bottom, none --> |pushpin_map_caption = |pushpin_mapsize = <!-- Location ------------------> |coordinates_region = IR |subdivision_type = Country |subdivision_name = {{IRN}} |subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Iran|Province]] |subdivision_name1 = [[Hormozgān Province]] |subdivision_type2 = |subdivision_name2 = |subdivision_type3 = |subdivision_name3 = |subdivision_type4 = |subdivision_name4 = <!-- Politics -----------------> |government_footnotes = |government_type = |leader_title = |image_seal = |leader_name = |leader_title1 = |leader_name1 = |established_title = <!-- Settled --> |established_date = |established_title2 = <!-- Incorporated (town) --> |established_date2 = |established_title3 = <!-- Incorporated (city) --> |established_date3 = <!-- Area ---------------------> |area_magnitude = |unit_pref = <!--Enter: Imperial, if Imperial (metric) is desired--> |area_footnotes = |area_total_km2 = |area_land_km2 = 91.5 |area_water_km2 = |area_total_sq_mi = |area_land_sq_mi = 35.3 |area_water_sq_mi = |area_water_percent = |area_urban_km2 = |area_urban_sq_mi = |area_metro_km2 = |area_metro_sq_mi = |area_blank1_title = |area_blank1_km2 = |area_blank1_sq_mi = <!-- Population -----------------------> |population_as_of = 2010 |population_footnotes = |population_note = |population_total = 22 650 |population_density_km2 = |population_density_sq_mi = |population_metro = 26000 |population_density_metro_km2 = |population_density_metro_sq_mi = |population_urban = |population_density_urban_km2 = |population_density_urban_sq_mi = |population_blank1_title = |population_blank1 = |population_density_blank1_km2 = |population_density_blank1_sq_mi= <!-- General information ---------------> |timezone = [[Iran Standard Time|IRST]] |utc_offset = +3:30 |timezone_DST = |utc_offset_DST = |coordinates_display = inline,title |latd=26 |latm=32 |lats= |latNS=N |longd=53 |longm=58 |longs= |longEW=E |elevation_footnotes = |elevation_m = |elevation_ft = <!-- Area/postal codes & others --------> |postal_code_type = <!-- enter ZIP code, Postcode, Post code, Postal code... --> |postal_code = |area_code = |blank_name = |blank_info = |blank1_name = |blank1_info = |website = [http://www.kish.ir Kish Free Zone Organization]<br />[http://www.hormozgan.ir Hormozgan Province] |footnotes = }} '''Kish''' ({{lang-fa|کیش}}) is a {{convert|91.5|km2|mi2|sing=on}} resort island in the [[Persian Gulf]]. It is part of the [[Hormozgān Province]] of [[Iran]]. Due to its [[free trade zone]] status it is touted as a consumer's paradise, with numerous malls, shopping centres, tourist attractions, and resort hotels. It has an estimated population of 20,000 residents and about 1 million people visit the island annually.<ref name='Tourism'>{{Cite journal| first= | last=| coauthors=| contribution=Iran Travel And Tourism Forecast| title=Economist Intelligence Unit| editor-first=| editor-last=| publisher=| place=| pages=| date=August 18, 2008| year=| id= | contribution-url=| format=| accessdate=2009-07-12| editors= }}</ref><ref name="presstv.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=29180&sectionid=351020108 |title=Iran builds 1st solar hotel on Kish |publisher=Press TV |date=2007-10-30 |accessdate=2010-04-19}}</ref> Kish Island was ranked among the world’s 10 most beautiful islands by ''The New York Times'' in 2010, and is the fourth most visited vacation destination in Southwest Asia after [[Dubai]], [[United Arab Emirates|U.A.E]], and [[Sharm el-Sheikh]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://presstv.com/Program/142594.html |title=Press TV |publisher=Press TV |date=2010-12-06 |accessdate=2012-03-07}}{{dead link|date=October 2011}}</ref> Foreign nationals wishing to enter Kish Free Zone from legal ports are not required to obtain visas prior to travel. Valid travel permits are stamped for 14 days by airport and Kish port police officials. Kish gained media fame for being the location of [[Robert Levinson]]'s disappearance.<ref name="foxnews.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/01/08/us-suspects-iran-government-behind-hostage-photos-ex-fbi-agent/ |title=US suspects Iran behind hostage photos of ex-FBI agent, as wife calls for action|publisher=Fox News |date=2013-01-08 |accessdate=2013-03-08}}</ref> == History == [[File:kish-island.gif|thumb|left|Kish Island's former casino.]] Kish Island has been mentioned in history variously as Kamtina, Arakia, Arakata, and Ghiss. In 325&nbsp;BC, [[Alexander the Great]] commissioned [[Nearchus]] to set off an expedition voyage into the [[Sea of Oman]] and the [[Persian Gulf]]. Nearchus's writings on Arakata is the first known mention of Kish Island in antiquity.{{ref label|kishhistory|1|a}} When [[Marco Polo]] visited the Imperial court in China, he commented on the Emperor's wife's pearls, he was told that they were from Kish.{{ref label|kishhistory|2|a}} In the 1970s the last Shah of Iran turned the island into a luxury resort for the international elite complete with a Grand Casino (now known as the [[Shayan International Hotel]]) and an [[Kish Airport|airport]] designed to handle the [[Concorde]]. After the [[Islamic Revolution]], Kish Island became a [[duty-free shop]]ping center. Kish island's strategic position served as a way station and link for the ancient [[Assyria]]n and [[Elamite]] civilizations when their primitive sailboats navigated from Susa through the Karoun river into the Persian Gulf and along the southern coastline passing Kish, [[Qeshm]] and [[Hormuz Island|Hormoz]] islands. When these civilizations vanished, Kish Island's advantageous position was lost and for a period it was subjected to turmoil and the [[tyranny]] of local potentates and other vendors. With the establishment of the [[Achaemenid]] dynasty that reached the far corners of the civilized world and contributed much to human advancement, the Persian Gulf was profoundly affected. Kish was, in particular, economically and politically linked with the civilization of the [[Medes]] and Persian and [[Aryan people]] when they were at the height of their power. In the shadow of the empire, the islands in the gulf became prosperous and navigation in the Persian Gulf was expanded and better vessels were used to carry passengers and goods. Navigational signs, including [[lighthouse]]s, were set up to facilitate navigation in the Persian Gulf. == Geography == [[File:Kish-island-Persian-Gulf.jpg|thumb|Kish Island, Persian Gulf.]] Kish is located in the Persian Gulf {{convert|19|km|abbr=on}} from mainland Iran and has an area of around {{convert|91|km2|abbr=on}} with an outer boundary of {{convert|40|km|abbr=on}} and a nearly elliptical shape. Along Kish's coast are [[coral reefs]] and many other small islands. The Island is positioned along the {{convert|1359|km|abbr=on}} long Iranian coastline north of the Persian Gulf, at the first quarter from the Hormuz entrance to the Persian Gulf. Its longitudinal and latitudinal positions are 26.32N and 53.58E degrees. The island is {{convert|15.45|km|abbr=on}} long from west coast to the east coast (the distance between Mariam Complex and Hoor field). Its maximum width extending from the southern shorelines to the northern shorelines is {{convert|7.5|km|abbr=on}} (the distance between Gomrok Port and the lighthouse). The island's surface is flat, lacking mountains or even high hills. [[Kish International Airport]] is built in the center on an elevated area {{convert|35|-|40|m|abbr=on}} from the sea level. Its highest surface inclination extends from the airport to the shores near Shayan hotel. ===Climate, nature, and geobotany=== Kish, like the other [[Persian Gulf]] Islands, especially the islands in the [[Strait of Hormuz]], is located on a narrow strip of tropical vegetation in the Northern Hemisphere, with the [[Persian plateau]] to the north and the [[Arabian Peninsula]] to the south. In addition to its special geographic and climatic attributes, Kish Island, like other nearby islands, such as [[Forur]], [[Hendurabi]], [[Shatuar]] and [[Lavan Island|Lavan]] and even [[Qeshm]], is under the sway of the semi-equatorial climate dominating this band of vegetation. [[File:Jhcfjuhfuvfjhyf.jpg|thumb|Kish's environment.]] ===Weather=== Kish's climate is considered to be a very dry semi equatorial climate. For an 8 years span of time, the median annual rainfall in Kish has been {{convert|145|mm|abbr=on}} (54% in winter, 28% autumn and 14% in summer) and the annual temperature {{convert|26.6|°C}}. The relative atmospheric humidity in Kish makes it like a sea island except in cold seasons. The humidity is about 60% most of the year. In the months of October to April, Kish's weather is mild, ranging from {{convert|18|°C}} to {{convert|25|°C}}. The statistical data in the Kish [[Free trade zone|free zone]]'s archives show that the island's temperature varies form very hot to moderately hot, accompanied by relatively high humidity often interspersed by heavy rains of short durations in certain seasons. With the exception of some southeastern coastal areas and a few other islands in the [[Persian Gulf]], Kish Island has the longest sunny hours in the region which is roughly 3100 hours a year. Based on climatological classification and general weather conditions and nearness to the Tropic of Cancer and exposure to high tropical pressure system and being in the midst of hot and shallow waters, the island tends to be hot and humid most of the year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kish.ir/HomePage.aspx?TabID=4734&Site=DouranPortal&Lang=en-US |title=Kish Free Zone Organization - سازمان منطقه آزاد کیش |publisher=Kish.ir |date= |accessdate=2010-04-19}}</ref> ===Tourist attractions=== [[File:The Greek Ship.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Greek Ship]].]] Kish is a small island but it has numerous tourist attractions. The [[Greek Ship]] is the wreck of a 1943 cargo [[steamship]], the ''Koula F'', on a beach on Kish's south-west coast.<ref name=Clyde>{{cite web |url= http://www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=19858 |last1=Cameron |first1=Stuart |last2=Robinson |first2=George |last3=Stewart |first3=Gavin |title=SS Empire Trumpet |work=Clydebuilt Ships Database |year= |accessdate=10 April 2013}}</ref> She was originally a British ship, ''Empire Trumpet'', and was built in Scotland.<ref name=Clyde/> She ran aground in 1966 and all attempts to salvage her failed.<ref name=Clyde/> When ''Koula F''{{'}}s crew abandoned her they set her on fire,{{citation needed|date=April 2013}} and all that remains is her steel hulk. Another attraction is the ancient underground [[aqueduct (water supply)|aqueduct]], also called the 'Underground City', which is partly open for tourists. It was built about 1,000 years ago for transportation and water supply across the different parts of the island. Another attraction is the beautiful beaches that all captivate the eye with their bluish tint and the long shoreline that attracts many tourists during the winter season. The water is so clear that fish can be seen swimming in the sea all year long. == Economy == {{See also|Economy of Iran|Communications in Iran|Foreign Direct Investment in Iran}} Since the mid-1990s the Iranian government has embarked on an aggressive promotional and developmental campaign to tailor Kish as a rival to [[Dubai]] but mainly a big rival to [[Doha]]. Steps taken in order to accomplish this include launching massive construction projects and programs designed to attract foreign investment and trade. Within the area of the ''Kish Free Zone'', as it is known, the standard laws of the Islamic Republic of [[Iran]] are far more relaxed than on the mainland, which has resulted in significant increases in mostly domestic tourist population over the years, as well as in international trade on the island. The population of the island includes significant numbers of both [[Muslims]] and [[Christians]]. Kish Free Zone total foreign trade stands at around $9.2 billion per annum (2009).<ref>[http://www.nitc.co.ir/iran-daily/1387/3324/html/economy.htm Iran Daily - Domestic Economy - 01/24/09]</ref> Fifteen percent of all imports to Iran are through Kish.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1685918752&play=1 |title=News Headlines |publisher=Cnbc.com |date=2009-02-26 |accessdate=2012-03-07}}</ref> Investment incentives in Kish [[free trade zone]] include: * 15 years tax-exemption; * no entry visa requirement; * 100% foreign ownership possible; * flexible monetary & banking services; * extended legal guarantees & protection. Besides the existing [[Iranian Oil Bourse]], a new exchange, the [[Kish Stock Exchange]] was inaugurated in 2010 to facilitate [[Foreign Direct Investment in Iran|foreign investment]] and monetary activities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8910030737 |title=Fars News Agency :: New Stock Exchange Kicks off Work in Southern Iran |publisher=English.farsnews.com |date=2010-12-24 |accessdate=2012-03-07}}</ref> == Education == Kish is home to [[Kish University]], a university founded in 1996; it now has 360 students. The importance of public education from the lowest to the highest levels as a main element in the steady development of Kish is now being paid special attention. Some of the most important activities include supporting and expanding existing educational centres, creating new educational centres, using new technology in developing educational activities, exploiting creditable educational national and international experiences, creating the foundations for all social classes to benefit from educational possibilities, the development of applied sciences regionally, and the promotion of university education levels through holding courses with creditable universities home and abroad. Activities carried out in the educational section on general education, basic education, and higher education are presented as follows: KFZO has made efforts to create educational centres for basic education and provided facilities to promote the quality and quantity of education. Creating educational spaces by building new schools and giving priority to technical and vocational courses are some of the activities carried out. Kish schools have been located so as to make them easily accessible, especially for the local population. Considering the increased educational facilities, and also the better living conditions of families in Kish, the number of students at each level is on the increase. The total area of educational space on the island was over 4658 square metres in 2005, which shows a 40% rise as compared to the beginning of 2001. Furthermore, KFZO has set up institutions in parts of the island, which the inhabitants, including many civil servants and members of the general public, use. These include: * Kish Institute of Arts and Sciences (teaching foreign languages) * Kish Institute of Graph-Rayaneh (teaching computing) * Parto Institute (teaching English) * Sadaf Cultural Centre * Mir Mohana Cultural Centre * Sana'ei Cultural Centre<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kish.ir/HomePage.aspx?TabID=4772&Site=DouranPortal&Lang=en-US |title=Kish Free Zone Organization - سازمان منطقه آزاد کیش |publisher=Kish.ir |date= |accessdate=2010-04-19}}</ref> * [[Kish Institute of Science and Technology]] == Sports == [[File:Scuba Diving Kish Island Iran.JPG|thumb|Scuba diving off Kish Island.]] [[File:Personal Water Craft.jpg|thumb|"Jetski"ing at Kish Island.]] Kish acts as the location for numerous international sporting events. Kish Island is part of the [[Professional Squash Association]]'s annual tour, holding the Fajr International Squash Championship. Kish Island also holds [[Iran's Traditional and Heroic Games Contests]] annually attracting over 17 countries worldwide. As part of the [[Flower of the East]] project Kish will have an 18-hole championship golf course based on PGA standards and a 9-hole course for beginners. Kish is home to a multi-purpose Olympic stadium seating 1200 spectators, it caters for 11 sports including volleyball, basketball, handball, futsal, gymnastics, wrestling, taekwondo, judo, karate and chess. All of these are supervised by professional and international coaches. It attracts top national football teams and clubs who often use Kish as summer training camp with high quality facilities, good weather and a tranquille environment making it a good location. The Kish Karting Track is one of the largest in Southwest Asia, and one of the first of its kind in [[Iran]]. A great array of water sports are also on offer in Kish such as snorkeling and scuba diving courses, jet skiing, diving cruises, water skiing, sea skiffs, cruises to other islands around Kish, parasailing, jet boat rides, cruise fishing boats, pedal boating, banana boat rides, and windsurfing. Maryam Bowling Complex includes 16 bowling lanes, a health club with a fitness suite, and a jacuzzi. Kish Equestrian Club hosts national races and is capable of holding international competitions. Kish has 3 international standard volleyball courts, Kish held the [[2006 Asian Beach Volleyball Championship]]. Kish Island has 1 professional football team, Kish Air FC plays in the Hormozgan Provincial League. == Major Kish Island projects == ===International Oil Bourse=== The [[International Oil Bourse]] is a commodity exchange which opened on February 17, 2008 ===Kish Hidden Pearl=== In 1999, a project to build an underground complex was begun by 300 artists and excavation workers. After deep excavations rigid coral ceilings were discovered, and this was included in the final design. Once completed, the city will include restaurants, tourist resorts and underground therapeutic mud pools. [[File:Dolphinarium.JPG|thumb|right|Kish Dolphinarium.]] ===Kish Dolphin Park=== The Dolphin Park is a {{Convert|70|ha|acre|sing=on}} park located at the south east corner of Kish Island. It is surrounded by over 22,000 palm trees, and includes a [[dolphinarium]], [[Butterfly Garden|butterfly garden]], silkworm compound, bird garden, artificial rain forest, volcanic mountain, orchid garden, and cactus garden. The dolphinarium includes the largest man made pool on the island, and exhibits [[dolphin]]s, [[sea lion]]s, and [[Beluga Whale|white whales]].<ref name="dolphinarium"/> The bird Garden in the park is home to more than 57 species of birds and other animals from around the world including [[pelican]]s, [[ostrich]]es, [[Blue-and-yellow Macaw|blue-and-yellow macaws]], [[stork]]s, [[Toco Toucan|toco toucans]], [[turaco]]s, [[swan]]s, [[African Penguin|African penguins]], and [[marsh crocodile]]s.<ref name="bird garden"/> ===Kish Aquarium=== The Art Center on the island includes an aquarium that displays marine species unique to the Persian Gulf.<ref name="aquarium"/> ==Pictures== <center> <gallery> Image:Dariushhotel3.jpg|An aerial view of Dariush hotel. Image:Dariush Grand Hotel - 3.jpg|Dariush hotel. Image:Kish island 1.jpg|A beach in Kish. Image:SunsetatKish2.JPG|Sunset on Kish. Image:Inside_pardis_market.JPG|Pardis Market. Image:Abanbar_in_kish_island.JPG|A water cooling storage building (Abanbar). </gallery> </center> == Sister cities == * {{Flagicon|UAE}} [[Dubai]], [[United Arab Emirates]] <small>''(since 2002)''</small> * {{Flagicon|UAE}} [[Abu Dhabi]], [[United Arab Emirates]] <small>''(since 2002)''</small> == See also == {{Portal|Iran}} * [[Bandar Lengeh]] * [[Chabahar free trade-industrial zone]], another [[free trade zone]] in Iran * [[Economy of Iran]] * [[Flower of the East]], a [[hotel rating|7 star]] hotel development on Kish Island * [[Foreign Direct Investment in Iran]] * [[Iran airshow]], a semi-regular international airshow held on Kish Island * [[Kish Air]], a domestic airline servicing Kish Island * [[Robert Levinson]] ==Notes== {{Reflist |refs= <ref name="dolphinarium"> {{cite web |url=http://www.kish.ir/HomePage.aspx?TabID=4474&Site=DouranPortal&Lang=en-US |title=Dolphin Park Complex |work=kish.ir |publisher=Kish Free Zone Organization |accessdate=2 October 2010 }} </ref> <ref name="bird garden"> {{cite web |url=http://www.kish.ir/HomePage.aspx?TabID=4475&Site=DouranPortal&Lang=en-US |title=Bird Garden |work=kish.ir |publisher=Kish Free Zone Organization |accessdate=2 October 2010 }} </ref> <ref name="aquarium"> {{cite web |url=http://www.kish.ir/HomePage.aspx?TabID=4479&Site=DouranPortal&Lang=en-US |title=Aquarium |work=kish.ir |publisher=Kish Free Zone Organization |accessdate=2 October 2010 }} </ref> }} ==References== * . الكوخردى ، محمد ، بن يوسف، (كُوخِرد حَاضِرَة اِسلامِيةَ عَلي ضِفافِ نَهر مِهران) الطبعة الثالثة ،دبى: سنة 199۷ للميلاد Mohammed Kookherdi (1997) Kookherd, an Islamic civil at Mehran river, third edition: Dubai * . کامله،القاسمی، بنت شیخ عبدالله، ''(تاریخ لنجة) '' مکتبة دبي للتوزیع، الامارات: الطبعة الثانية عام ۱۹۹۳ للمیلاد * . الوحیدی الخنجی، حسین بن علی بن احمد، '' «تاریخ لنجه» ،'' الطبعة الثانية دبی: دار الأمة للنشر والتوزیع، ۱۹۸۸ للمیلاد * . اطلس گیتاشناسی استان‌های ایران [Atlas Gitashenasi Ostanhai Iran] (''[http://www.gitashenasi.com/En/Product/Index.cfm?I=9 Gitashenasi Province Atlas of Iran]'') ==External links== {{Commons category|Kish Island}} * [http://www.kish.ir Kish Free Zone Organization] * {{Wikivoyage-inline}} * [http://www.hellokish.com Kish island travel guide] * [http://www.kishislandhotels.com/ Kish Island Hotels and Accommodation] * [http://www.xn--pgboj2fl38c.net Kish Island Travel Guid] * [http://www.Dariushotel.net Darius Grand Hotel Kish هتل بزرگ داریوش كيش] * [http://www.anobanini.ir/travel/fa/hormozgan/cat-116/ Information and Pictures of Kish] (in Persian) * [http://www.jadidonline.com/story/13122008/frnk/harireh Hamid-Reza Hosseini, ''Findings of Kish'' in Persian] * [http://www.kishnets.net Kish tourists guide] * [http://www.kish-tour.ir Kish tours guide راهنمای تور کیش] * [http://www.kishislandhotels.com/getting-to-from Getting to and from Kish Island] * [http://knullen.com/gallery3/index.php/Kish-Islan---Iran-The-Consumer-s-aradise More pictures of Kish Island] {{Kish Island topics}} {{Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf}} {{Hormozgan Province}} [[Category:Kish Island| ]] [[Category:Bandar Lengeh County]] [[Category:Islands of Iran]] [[Category:Visitor attractions in Iran]] [[Category:Economy of Iran]] [[Category:Special Economic Zones]] [[Category:Islands of the Persian Gulf]]'