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Northern Shoreline of the Persian Gulf, Iran

Northern Shoreline of the Persian Gulf, Iran

An Account of Stone Anchors Along the Northern Shoreline of the Persian Gulf

Sorna Khakzad and Ali Moosaie

Introduction

The northern shoreline of the Persian Gulf encompasses countless valuable archaeological sites. However, just as in many other areas, the Iranian side of the Gulf is undergoing continuous, rapid urban and industrial development, which results in the destruction and loss of many archaeological sites and artefacts.

Limited systematic maritime studies have been conducted on the underwater and coastal cultural heritage in these areas. This article presents an inventory of the historical stone anchors and weights observed along the northern shoreline in the areas between Bushehr and Hormozgan Provinces.

This collection was put together as a result of site observation, archival studies, sporadic interviews with local people, and findings during construction excavations—either underwater or along the shoreline by locals. No archaeological excavations were conducted; most finds are surface objects that were collected during site visits and considered to be in danger of destruction or loss.

Figure 1 - Stone anchors along the Persian Gulf

Different stone artefacts in the area around the cliff and the possible ancient pier; some may have been anchors. The three artefacts at the bottom are classified as stone anchors recovered from Rishahr close to the potential ancient pier/wave-break, and on the beach along the bay.

Image: © Bushehr Museum of Naval Trade

Figure 1. Stone artefacts from the area around the cliff and possible ancient pier at Rishahr.

Methodology

The locations of the objects were registered using Global Positioning System (GPS). Recordings were conducted of their weights and sizes, and they were photographed and drawn. Following an inventory of all the stone anchors and weights, a classification system is suggested.

The results of this research have the potential to lead to further in-depth studies about seafaring and maritime history within the Persian Gulf.

Study Area

The study area encompasses the northern shoreline of the Persian Gulf, specifically focusing on the regions between Bushehr Province and Hormozgan Province in Iran. This coastal stretch has been an important maritime zone throughout history, serving as a hub for trade and navigation across the Persian Gulf.

Rishahr

Rishahr is located approximately 6 km south of Bushehr town. This site is identified with Rev Ardashir, a leading Sasanian port of the Persian Empire. Stone anchors have been recovered from this location, particularly near potential ancient pier/wave-break structures and along the beaches.

Figure 2 - Stone anchors along the Persian Gulf

Map showing the study area along the northern shoreline of the Persian Gulf, between Bushehr and Hormozgan Provinces.

Figure 2. Study area map - Northern Persian Gulf shoreline.

Bushehr Province

Bushehr Province has been a significant maritime region with a rich history of seafaring and trade. The Bushehr Museum of Naval Trade houses many of the stone anchors documented in this study, preserving these important artifacts for future research and public education.

Hormozgan Province

Hormozgan Province, located further east along the Persian Gulf coast, represents the eastern boundary of the study area. This region has historically been important for maritime trade routes connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean.

Classification of Stone Anchors

Following the inventory of all stone anchors and weights documented during the study, a classification system was developed to categorize the different types of artifacts found. This classification takes into account:

  • Shape and form – The overall morphology of the anchor
  • Size and weight – Dimensions and mass of the objects
  • Number of holes – Perforations for rope attachment
  • Material composition – Type of stone used
  • Functional characteristics – Evidence of use and wear patterns

Figure 3 - Stone anchors along the Persian Gulf

Classification diagram showing different types of stone anchors documented in the study.

Figure 3. Stone anchor classification types.

Historical Context

The Persian Gulf has been a vital maritime thoroughfare for millennia, connecting civilizations across the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa. Stone anchors represent some of the earliest evidence of organized maritime activity in this region.

The Sasanian Empire (224-651 CE) maintained significant naval capabilities in the Persian Gulf, with ports like Rev Ardashir (modern Rishahr) serving as major centers of maritime trade. The stone anchors found in this region may date from this period or earlier, providing valuable evidence of ancient seafaring practices.

Threats to Maritime Heritage

The northern shoreline of the Persian Gulf faces significant threats from modern development:

  • Rapid urbanization along coastal areas
  • Industrial expansion and port development
  • Construction activities disturbing underwater and coastal sites
  • Lack of systematic archaeological surveys before development projects
  • Limited public awareness of maritime cultural heritage

This study aims to document and preserve knowledge of these artifacts before they are lost to development pressures.

Significance and Future Research

The inventory and classification system developed from this research has potential to support further in-depth studies on seafaring and maritime history in the Persian Gulf region. Future research directions include:

  • Systematic underwater archaeological surveys
  • Comparative studies with stone anchors from other regions
  • Dating analysis of the documented anchors
  • Investigation of ancient trade routes and maritime networks
  • Documentation of traditional boat-building and seafaring practices

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Bushehr Museum of Naval Trade for their support and cooperation in documenting these important maritime artifacts.

References

  • Khakzad, S. and Moosaie, A. (2020). An Account of Stone Anchors Along the Northern Shoreline of the Persian Gulf. Nautical Archaeology Digital Library.
  • Carter, R. (2006). Boat remains and maritime trade in the Persian Gulf during the sixth and fifth millennia BC. Antiquity 80: 52-63.
  • Priestman, S. (2022). Bushehr, Dashtestan and Siraf: the Transformation of the Maritime Trade Network in the Middle Persian Gulf.
  • Whitehouse, D. and Williamson, A. (1973). Sasanian Maritime Trade. Iran 11: 29-49.

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