Bushehr history

The history of the city of Bushehr is a fascinating chronicle of the transformation of an ancient settlement into one of the key port centres on the coast of the Gulf. Its past is rooted in deep antiquity, and its strategic position has attracted merchants and rulers for centuries.

Foundation and First Mentions

Although modern Bushehr gained its current significance in the 18th century, the history of settlements at this location spans millennia. Archaeological finds indicate the existence of an important centre of the Elamite Kingdom here as early as the third millennium BC, known as Liyan. Later, during the Sassanid era, a port city was founded here, which, according to some sources, was called Rishehr. The modern city was effectively revived in 1736 by the decree of Nader Shah, who decided to turn it into the main base for his new fleet in the Gulf.

Key Factors of Development

Several decisive factors contributed to the rapid development of Bushehr:

• Geographical Location: Its location on a peninsula made it an ideal natural port, protected from winds and convenient for mooring ships.
• Trade: Beginning in the 18th century, the city became a crucial trading hub for European powers, particularly for the British East India Company, which established its trading post here. This turned Bushehr into a gateway for trade between Iran, India, and Europe.
• Political Will: Nader Shah's decision to make Bushehr the country's main naval base provided a powerful impulse for construction and infrastructure development.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Thanks to active maritime trade, Bushehr quickly turned into a prosperous and cosmopolitan city. The economy was based on the export of agricultural products, fishing, and, of course, transit trade. The city became a "melting pot" where Persian culture mixed with Arab, African, and European influences. This was reflected in the unique architecture of the old city, its music, and traditions. Furthermore, Bushehr became one of the first Iranian cities to introduce innovations such as lithographic printing and the press, which contributed to its cultural enrichment.

Key Milestones in the History of Bushehr

The history of Bushehr is a kaleidoscope of events reflecting its strategic importance at the crossroads of maritime routes. From ancient Elamite settlements to a modern port centre, the city has traversed a long and eventful path.

• 8th Century BC — The ancient Elamite city of Liyan exists on the site of modern Bushehr, an important centre of civilization, as evidenced by archaeological finds.
• 1506 — The Portuguese establish a fortress on the coast, marking the beginning of European interest in the region.
• 1736 — Nader Shah Afshar founds the modern city of Bushehr as the main base for Iran's new navy in the Gulf.
• 1763 — Ruler Karim Khan allows the British East India Company to open a trade representative office in Bushehr, marking the beginning of its transformation into a major international port.
• Late 18th Century — Bushehr becomes one of the most important ports in the Gulf; the first foreign consulates open here, and innovations such as typographic printing appear.
• 1856 — During the Anglo-Persian War, the city was temporarily occupied by British troops, highlighting its strategic importance.
• 1915 — The city is again occupied by British forces during World War I to control the region.
• 1941–1945 — During World War II, Bushehr serves as one of the key ports for supplies under the Lend-Lease programme to the USSR.
• 1975 — Construction begins on Iran's first nuclear power plant in cooperation with a West German company.
• 1995 — After a long period of suspension, work on the nuclear power plant project resumes, this time in cooperation with Russian specialists.
• 2011 — The first power unit of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is connected to Iran's national electricity grid.
• 2013 — The nuclear power plant enters commercial operation, opening a new chapter in the modern history of the city.

The development of Bushehr is the story of the transformation of a small coastal settlement into a strategically important port and industrial centre in the south of Iran. Key stages of its growth reflect the changing eras and economic priorities of the country.

Major Milestones in Bushehr's History

• Foundation of the Modern City (1736): By order of Nader Shah, Bushehr was revived and chosen as the main base for the new Persian fleet in the Gulf. This decision laid the foundation for its future growth as a maritime and military outpost.
• Centre of International Trade (18th–19th Centuries): The city became a key trade hub after the British East India Company established its trading post here. This turned Bushehr into a gateway for trade between Persia, India, and Europe, leading to economic prosperity and the emergence of a unique cosmopolitan culture.
• Gateway to Modernisation (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries): Thanks to close ties with the outside world, Bushehr became one of the first cities in Iran to introduce innovations such as lithographic printing, newspapers, the first ice factory, and electricity. This helped spread new ideas and technologies throughout the country.
• Strategic Hub in the 20th Century: During World War II, the port of Bushehr played an important role as one of the routes for supplies under the Lend-Lease programme to the USSR, reinforcing its status as a significant logistics centre.
• Start of the Atomic Era (from 1975): One of the most significant events in the city's modern history was the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Iran. This project turned Bushehr into the centre of the country's nuclear energy sector and an important industrial facility.
• Modern Economic Development: Today, Bushehr is the capital of the province of the same name and an important special economic zone. Its economy relies on shipbuilding, fishing, the petrochemical industry, and international trade, continuing to play a key role in the economy of southern Iran.

The architecture of Bushehr represents a unique phenomenon, shaped by the influence of the hot and humid climate of the Gulf, as well as its rich trading history. The urban development of the city can be divided into two main eras: the traditional, which reached its peak in the 18th-19th centuries, and the modern, which began in the second half of the 20th century.

Traditional Architecture of the Old City

The historic centre of Bushehr, known as Baft-e Qadim, is a striking example of coastal Iranian architecture. Its appearance was formed mainly during the Zand and Qajar eras, when the city was the main trading port of Iran. Buildings were constructed from local materials such as coral stone and gypsum, giving them a characteristic light hue. Narrow winding streets created shade and facilitated air circulation.

Key elements of traditional architecture include:

• Badgirs (Wind Towers): These ingenious structures, resembling chimneys in reverse, captured the cool breeze and directed it inside the rooms, creating natural ventilation — a medieval Persian air conditioner.
• Shenashils (Wooden Balconies): Carved wooden balconies and bay windows not only decorated the facades but also provided protection from the scorching sun, allowing residents to observe street life while remaining in the shade.
• High Ceilings and Courtyards: Houses were often built with several floors and high ceilings for better air circulation and featured internal courtyards with small gardens or fountains, serving as the centre of family life.

Iconic examples of this style include numerous merchant mansions in the old part of the city, such as the Dehdashti Mansion, demonstrating the richness and functionality of local architectural thought.

Modern Development

Since the mid-20th century, the architectural appearance of Bushehr began to change. Modern buildings made of concrete and glass appeared, especially in new districts and along the waterfront. An important milestone was the construction of industrial facilities and infrastructure, including a large port and the country's first nuclear power plant, which brought elements of functional and industrial architecture to the cityscape. Despite this, the historic city centre is carefully preserved as valuable cultural heritage, listed among the national monuments of Iran.

Prominent Figures Associated with Bushehr

The city of Bushehr and its surroundings have gifted Iran and the world with many talented and courageous people. Among them are national heroes, poets, and writers whose names are forever inscribed in the history of the region.

• Rais Ali Delvari (1882–1915) — A national hero of Iran who led a popular uprising against British troops in the early 20th century. He became a symbol of the struggle for independence and the anti-colonial movement in the south of the country. His courage and leadership qualities united local tribes to defend their land. The day of his death is commemorated in Iran as the National Day of Struggle against British Colonialism.
• Sadegh Chubak (1916–1998) — One of the leading Iranian writers of the 20th century, an author of short stories and novels. He was born in Bushehr, and the atmosphere of the port city, the lives of its ordinary inhabitants, and social problems were reflected in many of his works. Chubak is often compared to Hemingway for his concise and realistic style.
• Manouchehr Atashi (1931–2005) — A renowned Persian poet, writer, and journalist born in Bushehr Province. His poetry is imbued with the spirit of southern Iran, images of nature, and motifs of struggle. Atashi's work earned him a reputation as one of the most distinctive voices in modern Iranian literature.
• Fayez Dashti (1830–1919) — A famous poet from the Dashtestan region (part of Bushehr Province), whose poems (du-bayti) have become an integral part of the folklore and musical culture of southern Iran. His lyrical and often melancholic works are performed to the accompaniment of traditional instruments and passed down from generation to generation.
• Khalil Daryabeigi — A legendary captain and navigator from Bushehr, whose name became synonymous with maritime mastery in the Gulf. He was known for his deep knowledge of sea routes, winds, and currents. Stories of his voyages and courage became part of the maritime folklore of the region, inspiring many sailors.