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{{Infobox Ocean {{Infobox Ocean
| Ocean_name = Arabian Gulf | Ocean_name = Persian Gulf
| image_Ocean =PersianGulf vue satellite du golfe persique.jpg | image_Ocean =PersianGulf vue satellite du golfe persique.jpg
| caption_Ocean = Arabian Gulf from space | caption_Ocean = Persian Gulf from space
| image_bathymetry = | image_bathymetry =
| caption_bathymetry= | caption_bathymetry=
Line 20: Line 20:
| max-depth_m=90 | max-depth_m=90
}} }}
The '''Arabian Gulf''', in the ]n region, is an extension of the ] located between ] and the ].<ref name="unstats.un.org">Working Paper No. 61, ''UNITED NATIONS GROUP OF EXPERTS ON GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES'', dated March 28, April 4, 2006 (); accessed February 09, 2007</ref> Historically and commonly known as the Arabian Gulf, this body of water is sometimes ] referred to as the ''Arabian Gulf'' by certain ] countries{{Which?|date=August 2009}} or simply ''The Gulf'', although neither of the latter two terms is recognized internationally. The '''Persian Gulf''', in the ]n region, is an extension of the ] located between ] and the ].<ref name="unstats.un.org">Working Paper No. 61, ''UNITED NATIONS GROUP OF EXPERTS ON GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES'', dated March 28, April 4, 2006 (); accessed February 09, 2007</ref> Historically and commonly known as the Persian Gulf, this body of water is sometimes ] referred to as the ''Arabian Gulf'' by certain ] countries{{Which?|date=August 2009}} or simply ''The Gulf'', although neither of the latter two terms is recognized internationally.


The Arabian Gulf was a focus of the 1980-1988 ], in which each side attacked the other's ]s. In ], the Arabian Gulf again was the background for what was called the "]" or the "Gulf War" when ] invaded Kuwait and was subsequently pushed back, despite the fact that this conflict was primarily a land conflict. The Persian Gulf was a focus of the 1980-1988 ], in which each side attacked the other's ]s. In ], the Persian Gulf again was the background for what was called the "]" or the "Gulf War" when ] invaded Kuwait and was subsequently pushed back, despite the fact that this conflict was primarily a land conflict.


The Arabian Gulf has many good fishing grounds, extensive ]s, and abundant ]s, but its ecology has come under pressure from industrialization, and in particular, ] spillages during the recent wars in the region. The Persian Gulf has many good fishing grounds, extensive ]s, and abundant ]s, but its ecology has come under pressure from industrialization, and in particular, ] spillages during the recent wars in the region.


==Geography== ==Geography==
This inland sea of some 251,000&nbsp;km² is connected to the ] in the east by the ]; and its western end is marked by the major ] of the ], which carries the waters of the ] and the ]. Its length is 989 kilometres, with ] covering most of the northern coast and ] most of the southern coast. The gulf is about 56 kilometres wide at its narrowest, in the ]. The waters are overall very shallow, with a maximum depth of 90 metres and an average depth of 50 metres. This inland sea of some 251,000&nbsp;km² is connected to the ] in the east by the ]; and its western end is marked by the major ] of the ], which carries the waters of the ] and the ]. Its length is 989 kilometres, with ] covering most of the northern coast and ] most of the southern coast. The gulf is about 56 kilometres wide at its narrowest, in the ]. The waters are overall very shallow, with a maximum depth of 90 metres and an average depth of 50 metres.


Countries with a coastline on the Arabian Gulf are (clockwise, from the north): Iran, ] (exclave of ]), ], Saudi Arabia, ] on a ] off the Saudi coast, ] on an island, ] and ] in the northwest. ] lie within the Arabian Gulf, some of which are subject to ] by the states of the region. Countries with a coastline on the Persian Gulf are (clockwise, from the north): Iran, ] (exclave of ]), ], Saudi Arabia, ] on a ] off the Saudi coast, ] on an island, ] and ] in the northwest. ] lie within the Persian Gulf, some of which are subject to ] by the states of the region.


==Oil and gas== ==Oil and gas==
{{See also| Strait of Hormuz}} {{See also| Strait of Hormuz}}
The Arabian Gulf and its coastal areas are the world's largest single source of crude oil and related industries dominate the region. ], the world's largest offshore ], is located in the Arabian Gulf. Large gas finds have also been made with Qatar and Iran sharing a giant field across the territorial median line (North Field in the Qatari sector; South Pars Field in the Iranian sector). Using this gas, Qatar has built up a substantial ] (LNG) and petrochemical industry. The Persian Gulf and its coastal areas are the world's largest single source of crude oil and related industries dominate the region. ], the world's largest offshore ], is located in the Persian Gulf. Large gas finds have also been made with Qatar and Iran sharing a giant field across the territorial median line (North Field in the Qatari sector; South Pars Field in the Iranian sector). Using this gas, Qatar has built up a substantial ] (LNG) and petrochemical industry.


The oil-rich countries (excluding ]) that have a coastline on the Arabian Gulf are referred to as the '']''. Iraq's egress to the gulf is narrow and easily blockaded consisting of the marshy river delta of the ], which carries the waters of the ] and the ]s, where the left (East) bank is held by Iran. The oil-rich countries (excluding ]) that have a coastline on the Persian Gulf are referred to as the '']''. Iraq's egress to the gulf is narrow and easily blockaded consisting of the marshy river delta of the ], which carries the waters of the ] and the ]s, where the left (East) bank is held by Iran.


==Etymology== ==Etymology==
] leads to the ]. Detail from ].]] ] leads to the ]. Detail from ].]]
In 330 B.C, the ] established the first Persian Empire in Pars (''Persis'', or modern ''Fars'') in the southwestern region of the Iranian plateau. Consequently in the Greek sources, the body of water that bordered this province came to be known as the Arabian Gulf.<ref>Touraj Daryaee, ''The Arabian Gulf Trade in Late Antiquity'', ], Vol. 14, No. 1., March 2003, (); accessed February 09, 2007</ref> In 330 B.C, the ] established the first Persian Empire in Pars (''Persis'', or modern ''Fars'') in the southwestern region of the Iranian plateau. Consequently in the Greek sources, the body of water that bordered this province came to be known as the Persian Gulf.<ref>Touraj Daryaee, ''The Persian Gulf Trade in Late Antiquity'', ], Vol. 14, No. 1., March 2003, (); accessed February 09, 2007</ref>


Considering the historical background of the name Arabian Gulf, ] mentions in a book, published in 1928 that: Considering the historical background of the name Persian Gulf, ] mentions in a book, published in 1928 that:
{{cquote|No water channel has been so significant as Arabian Gulf to the geologists, archaeologists, geographers, merchants, politicians, excursionists, and scholars whether in past or in present. This water channel which separates the Iran Plateau from the Arabia Plate, has enjoyed an Iranian Identity since at least 2200 years ago.<ref name="unstats.un.org"/>|cquote}} {{cquote|No water channel has been so significant as Persian Gulf to the geologists, archaeologists, geographers, merchants, politicians, excursionists, and scholars whether in past or in present. This water channel which separates the Iran Plateau from the Arabia Plate, has enjoyed an Iranian Identity since at least 2200 years ago.<ref name="unstats.un.org"/>|cquote}}


No written deed has remained since the era before the Persian Empire, but in the oral history and culture, the Iranians have called the southern waters: "Jam Sea", "Iran Sea", "Pars Sea". No written deed has remained since the era before the Persian Empire, but in the oral history and culture, the Iranians have called the southern waters: "Jam Sea", "Iran Sea", "Pars Sea".


During the years: 550 to 330 B.C. coinciding with sovereignty of the first ] on the Middle East area, especially the whole part of Arabian Gulf and some parts of the ], the name of "Pars Sea" has been widely written in the compiled texts.<ref name="unstats.un.org"/> During the years: 550 to 330 B.C. coinciding with sovereignty of the first ] on the Middle East area, especially the whole part of Persian Gulf and some parts of the ], the name of "Pars Sea" has been widely written in the compiled texts.<ref name="unstats.un.org"/>


In the travel account of Pythagoras, several chapters are related to description of his travels accompanied by ], to ] and ], and the area is described. From among the writings of others in the same period, there is the inscription and engraving of Darius the great, installed at junction of waters of Arabian Gulf (Ahmar Sea = Red sea) and Nile river and Rome river (current ]) which belongs to the 5th century BC where, Darius, the king of Achaemenid Empire has named the Arabian Gulf Water Channel: '''Pars Sea'''.<ref name="unstats.un.org"/> In the travel account of Pythagoras, several chapters are related to description of his travels accompanied by ], to ] and ], and the area is described. From among the writings of others in the same period, there is the inscription and engraving of Darius the great, installed at junction of waters of Arabian Gulf (Ahmar Sea = Red sea) and Nile river and Rome river (current ]) which belongs to the 5th century BC where, Darius, the king of Achaemenid Empire has named the Persian Gulf Water Channel: '''Pars Sea'''.<ref name="unstats.un.org"/>


==Naming dispute== ==Naming dispute==
], ] with the word ''Persian'' removed.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}]] ], ] with the word ''Persian'' removed.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}]]


{{Main|Arabian Gulf naming dispute}} {{Main|Persian Gulf naming dispute}}


With the rise of Arab nationalism (]) in the 1960s, some Arab states of the region{{Which?|date=August 2009}} started adopting the term "Arabian Gulf" (in ]: الخلیج العربي ''al-ḫalīǧ al-ʻarabi'') to refer to the waterway.<ref name="LINK">Niusha Boghrati, ''Omission of 'Arabian Gulf' Name Angers Iran'', World Press.com, dated December 28, 2006 ()</ref> However, this naming has not found much acceptance outside of the Arab world, and is not recognized by the ]<ref name="LINK"/><ref>UN Map ()</ref><ref>UN Map of Iran()</ref><ref>UN Map of Western Asia, ()</ref> or any other international organization.<ref name="LINK"/><ref>. The Arabian Gulf at the Millennium: Essays in Politics, Economy, Security, and Religion edited by Gary G. Sick, Lawrence G. Potter, pg 8</ref> The ] on many occasions has requested that only "Arabian Gulf" be used as the official and standard geographical designation for the body of water.<ref>()</ref> Historically, "Arabian Gulf" has been a term used to indicate the ].<ref name="unstats.un.org"/><ref>Working Paper No. 61, ''UNITED NATIONS GROUP OF EXPERTS ON GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES'', dated March 28, April 4, 2006, p.2 ()</ref><ref>] (472 to 509 B.C.) can be stated where Arabian Gulf and ] (Red Sea) have been clearly shown.</ref><ref>Also a map has remained from ], the great Greek historian (425-484 B.C.) which introduces Red Sea as the Arabian Gulf</ref><ref>In the world map of Diseark (285-347 B.C.) too, Arabian Gulf and Arabian Gulf have been clearly distinct.</ref> At the same time, the historical veracity of the usage of "Arabian Gulf" can be established from the works of many ] historians.<ref name="unstats.un.org"/><ref>Many maps and deeds prepared up to the 8th century by the historians such as ], ], ], Hiparek, Claudius Batlamious, Krats Malous.</ref><ref>Arriann, "Alexander Fleet in the Arabian Gulf", in ''Anabasis Alexandri'': Book VIII (INDICA)</ref><ref>In the Islamic period, ], Abou Yousef Eshagh Kandi, ], ], ], ], ], Ibn Houghal, ] and others, mention that there is a wide sea at south of Iran named “Pars Sea”, “Pars Gulf”, “Fars Sea”, “Fars Gulf”, “Bahre Fars”, “Sinus Persicus” and “Mare Persicum” and so on.</ref><ref>In a book, named “Persilus Aryateria”, the Greek traveller of the 1st century A.D. has called the Red Sea as Arabian gulf; the Indian ocean has been named Aryateria Sea; the waters at Oman Coast is called Pars Sea; Barbarus region (between Oman and Yemen coast are called belonging to Pars, and the Gulf located at south side of Iran is named: Arabian Gulf. By describing the water body, the life of Persians living at both sides have also been confirmed.</ref> With the rise of Arab nationalism (]) in the 1960s, some Arab states of the region{{Which?|date=August 2009}} started adopting the term "Arabian Gulf" (in ]: الخلیج العربي ''al-ḫalīǧ al-ʻarabi'') to refer to the waterway.<ref name="LINK">Niusha Boghrati, ''Omission of 'Persian Gulf' Name Angers Iran'', World Press.com, dated December 28, 2006 ()</ref> However, this naming has not found much acceptance outside of the Arab world, and is not recognized by the ]<ref name="LINK"/><ref>UN Map ()</ref><ref>UN Map of Iran()</ref><ref>UN Map of Western Asia, ()</ref> or any other international organization.<ref name="LINK"/><ref>. The Persian Gulf at the Millennium: Essays in Politics, Economy, Security, and Religion edited by Gary G. Sick, Lawrence G. Potter, pg 8</ref> The ] on many occasions has requested that only "Persian Gulf" be used as the official and standard geographical designation for the body of water.<ref>()</ref> Historically, "Arabian Gulf" has been a term used to indicate the ].<ref name="unstats.un.org"/><ref>Working Paper No. 61, ''UNITED NATIONS GROUP OF EXPERTS ON GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES'', dated March 28, April 4, 2006, p.2 ()</ref><ref>] (472 to 509 B.C.) can be stated where Persian Gulf and ] (Red Sea) have been clearly shown.</ref><ref>Also a map has remained from ], the great Greek historian (425-484 B.C.) which introduces Red Sea as the Arabian Gulf</ref><ref>In the world map of Diseark (285-347 B.C.) too, Persian Gulf and Arabian Gulf have been clearly distinct.</ref> At the same time, the historical veracity of the usage of "Persian Gulf" can be established from the works of many ] historians.<ref name="unstats.un.org"/><ref>Many maps and deeds prepared up to the 8th century by the historians such as ], ], ], Hiparek, Claudius Batlamious, Krats Malous.</ref><ref>Arriann, "Alexander Fleet in the Persian Gulf", in ''Anabasis Alexandri'': Book VIII (INDICA)</ref><ref>In the Islamic period, ], Abou Yousef Eshagh Kandi, ], ], ], ], ], Ibn Houghal, ] and others, mention that there is a wide sea at south of Iran named “Pars Sea”, “Pars Gulf”, “Fars Sea”, “Fars Gulf”, “Bahre Fars”, “Sinus Persicus” and “Mare Persicum” and so on.</ref><ref>In a book, named “Persilus Aryateria”, the Greek traveller of the 1st century A.D. has called the Red Sea as Arabian gulf; the Indian ocean has been named Aryateria Sea; the waters at Oman Coast is called Pars Sea; Barbarus region (between Oman and Yemen coast are called belonging to Pars, and the Gulf located at south side of Iran is named: Persian Gulf. By describing the water body, the life of Persians living at both sides have also been confirmed.</ref>


At the Twenty-third session of the United Nations in March-April 2006, the name "Arabian Gulf" was confirmed again as the legitimate and official term to be used by members of the United Nations.<ref>Working Paper No. 61, ''UNITED NATIONS GROUP OF EXPERTS ON GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES'', dated March 28, April 4, 2006, p.2 ().</ref> At the Twenty-third session of the United Nations in March-April 2006, the name "Persian Gulf" was confirmed again as the legitimate and official term to be used by members of the United Nations.<ref>Working Paper No. 61, ''UNITED NATIONS GROUP OF EXPERTS ON GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES'', dated March 28, April 4, 2006, p.2 ().</ref>


When the question was put to ] as to whether it should be called Arabian Gulf or Arabian Gulf, he tactfully replied that were it to be renamed from its current name (ie. Arabian Gulf) then it should be called the Islamic Gulf (as the Gulf is between only Muslim countries). Khomeini is a 'Seyed', meaning he is a descendant of ] and thus of Arabic lineage. When the question was put to ] as to whether it should be called Arabian Gulf or Persian Gulf, he tactfully replied that were it to be renamed from its current name (ie. Persian Gulf) then it should be called the Islamic Gulf (as the Gulf is between only Muslim countries). Khomeini is a 'Seyed', meaning he is a descendant of ] and thus of Arabic lineage.


== History== == History==
{{Expand section|date=June 2008}} {{Expand section|date=June 2008}}
===Pre-Islamic era=== ===Pre-Islamic era===
For most of the history of human settlement in the Arabian Gulf the southern side was ruled by nomadic tribes. During the end of ] the southern part of the Arabian Gulf was dominated by the ] civilization. For a long time the most important settlement on the southern coast of the Arabian Gulf was ]. In the second century ], who lived in Yemen, migrated north and founded the ] along the southern coast. During the 7th century the ] conquered the whole of the Arabian Gulf. For most of the history of human settlement in the Persian Gulf the southern side was ruled by nomadic tribes. During the end of ] the southern part of the Persian Gulf was dominated by the ] civilization. For a long time the most important settlement on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf was ]. In the second century ], who lived in Yemen, migrated north and founded the ] along the southern coast. During the 7th century the ] conquered the whole of the Persian Gulf.


Between 625 BC and 226 AD the northern side was dominated by the ], ], ] and ] empires. After the fall of the ], the ] ruled the northern half and at times the southern half of the Arabian Gulf. the Arabian Gulf, along with the ] was very important to trade in the Sassanid empire. ] was an ancient Sassanid port that was located on the north shore of the Arabian Gulf in what is now the Iranian province of ]. Between 625 BC and 226 AD the northern side was dominated by the ], ], ] and ] empires. After the fall of the ], the ] ruled the northern half and at times the southern half of the Persian Gulf. the Persian Gulf, along with the ] was very important to trade in the Sassanid empire. ] was an ancient Sassanid port that was located on the north shore of the Persian Gulf in what is now the Iranian province of ].


===Colonial era=== ===Colonial era===
Portuguese expansion into the Indian Ocean in the early sixteenth century following ]'s voyages of exploration saw them battle the ] up the coast of the Arabian Gulf. In 1521, a Portuguese force led by commander ] invaded Bahrain to take control of the wealth created by its pearl industry. IIn April 29 of 1602, Shāh Abbās, the ] emperor of ] expelled the ] from Bahrain.<ref name="links.jstor.org">Juan R. I. Cole, "Rival Empires of Trade and Imami Shiism in Eastern Arabia, 1300-1800", p. 186, through JSTOR. </ref><ref name="links.jstor.org"/>, and that date is commemorated as ] in ]<ref>, Retrieved on 26 February, 2009.</ref>. With the support of the British fleet, in 1622 'Abbās took the island of ] from the Portuguese: much of the trade was diverted to the town of ] which he had taken from the Portuguese in 1615 and had named after himself. The Arabian Gulf was therefore opened by ]s to a flourishing commerce with Portuguese, Dutch, French, Spanish and British merchants, which were granted particular privileges. Portuguese expansion into the Indian Ocean in the early sixteenth century following ]'s voyages of exploration saw them battle the ] up the coast of the Persian Gulf. In 1521, a Portuguese force led by commander ] invaded Bahrain to take control of the wealth created by its pearl industry. IIn April 29 of 1602, Shāh Abbās, the ] emperor of ] expelled the ] from Bahrain.<ref name="links.jstor.org">Juan R. I. Cole, "Rival Empires of Trade and Imami Shiism in Eastern Arabia, 1300-1800", p. 186, through JSTOR. </ref><ref name="links.jstor.org"/>, and that date is commemorated as ] in ]<ref>, Retrieved on 26 February, 2009.</ref>. With the support of the British fleet, in 1622 'Abbās took the island of ] from the Portuguese: much of the trade was diverted to the town of ] which he had taken from the Portuguese in 1615 and had named after himself. The Persian Gulf was therefore opened by ]s to a flourishing commerce with Portuguese, Dutch, French, Spanish and British merchants, which were granted particular privileges.


{{See also|British Residency of the Arabian Gulf}} {{See also|British Residency of the Persian Gulf}}
From 1763 until 1971, the ] maintained varying degrees of political control over some Arabian Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates (originally called the "Trucial Coast States"{{Citation needed|date=September 2008}}) and at various times Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar through the ]. From 1763 until 1971, the ] maintained varying degrees of political control over some Persian Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates (originally called the "Trucial Coast States"{{Citation needed|date=September 2008}}) and at various times Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar through the ].


The ] maintains a high profile in the region; in 2006, over 1 million Britons visited ] alone.<ref>Peter Beaumont, , '']'', December 24, 2006.</ref> The ] maintains a high profile in the region; in 2006, over 1 million Britons visited ] alone.<ref>Peter Beaumont, , '']'', December 24, 2006.</ref>


==Wildlife== ==Wildlife==
Mangroves in the Arabian Gulf, which are thought to require tidal flow and a combination of fresh and salt water, are nurseries for crabs, small fish and insects - and the birds that eat them.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2006/07/03/gulfwildlife_pla.html?category=earth&guid=20060703160030 |title=Development in Arabian Gulf Threatens Wildlife |dateformat= dmy |accessdate=30 June 2008 |author=Jim Krane |date= 2006-07-03 |publisher=Discovery Channel}}</ref> Mangroves in the Persian Gulf, which are thought to require tidal flow and a combination of fresh and salt water, are nurseries for crabs, small fish and insects - and the birds that eat them.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2006/07/03/gulfwildlife_pla.html?category=earth&guid=20060703160030 |title=Development in Persian Gulf Threatens Wildlife |dateformat= dmy |accessdate=30 June 2008 |author=Jim Krane |date= 2006-07-03 |publisher=Discovery Channel}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
{{Wiktionary}} {{Wiktionary}}
*] *]
*] *]
*] *]
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==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category|Arabian Gulf}} {{Commons category|Persian Gulf}}
* *
*, Information, history and resources of the Arabian Gulf *, Information, history and resources of the Persian Gulf
* *
* *
* *


{{List of seas}} {{List of seas}}
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Revision as of 22:03, 12 August 2009

Gulf in Southwest Asia
Persian Gulf
LocationSouthwest Asia
TypeGulf
Primary inflowsSea of Oman
Basin countriesIran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Oman (exclave of Musandam)
Max. width (min)

The Persian Gulf, in the Southwest Asian region, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. Historically and commonly known as the Persian Gulf, this body of water is sometimes controversially referred to as the Arabian Gulf by certain Arab countries or simply The Gulf, although neither of the latter two terms is recognized internationally.

The Persian Gulf was a focus of the 1980-1988 Iraq-Iran War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers. In 1991, the Persian Gulf again was the background for what was called the "Persian Gulf War" or the "Gulf War" when Iraq invaded Kuwait and was subsequently pushed back, despite the fact that this conflict was primarily a land conflict.

The Persian Gulf has many good fishing grounds, extensive coral reefs, and abundant pearl oysters, but its ecology has come under pressure from industrialization, and in particular, petroleum spillages during the recent wars in the region.

Geography

This inland sea of some 251,000 km² is connected to the Gulf of Oman in the east by the Strait of Hormuz; and its western end is marked by the major river delta of the Shatt al-Arab, which carries the waters of the Euphrates and the Tigris. Its length is 989 kilometres, with Iran covering most of the northern coast and Saudi Arabia most of the southern coast. The gulf is about 56 kilometres wide at its narrowest, in the Strait of Hormuz. The waters are overall very shallow, with a maximum depth of 90 metres and an average depth of 50 metres.

Countries with a coastline on the Persian Gulf are (clockwise, from the north): Iran, Oman (exclave of Musandam), United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar on a peninsula off the Saudi coast, Bahrain on an island, Kuwait and Iraq in the northwest. Various small islands lie within the Persian Gulf, some of which are subject to territorial disputes by the states of the region.

Oil and gas

See also: Strait of Hormuz

The Persian Gulf and its coastal areas are the world's largest single source of crude oil and related industries dominate the region. Al-Safaniya, the world's largest offshore oilfield, is located in the Persian Gulf. Large gas finds have also been made with Qatar and Iran sharing a giant field across the territorial median line (North Field in the Qatari sector; South Pars Field in the Iranian sector). Using this gas, Qatar has built up a substantial liquified natural gas (LNG) and petrochemical industry.

The oil-rich countries (excluding Iraq) that have a coastline on the Persian Gulf are referred to as the Persian Gulf States. Iraq's egress to the gulf is narrow and easily blockaded consisting of the marshy river delta of the Shatt al-Arab, which carries the waters of the Euphrates and the Tigris Rivers, where the left (East) bank is held by Iran.

Etymology

Map of the Persian Gulf. The Gulf of Oman leads to the Arabian Sea. Detail from larger map of the Middle East.

In 330 B.C, the Achaemenid Empire established the first Persian Empire in Pars (Persis, or modern Fars) in the southwestern region of the Iranian plateau. Consequently in the Greek sources, the body of water that bordered this province came to be known as the Persian Gulf.

Considering the historical background of the name Persian Gulf, Sir Arnold Wilson mentions in a book, published in 1928 that:

No water channel has been so significant as Persian Gulf to the geologists, archaeologists, geographers, merchants, politicians, excursionists, and scholars whether in past or in present. This water channel which separates the Iran Plateau from the Arabia Plate, has enjoyed an Iranian Identity since at least 2200 years ago.

No written deed has remained since the era before the Persian Empire, but in the oral history and culture, the Iranians have called the southern waters: "Jam Sea", "Iran Sea", "Pars Sea".

During the years: 550 to 330 B.C. coinciding with sovereignty of the first Persian Empire on the Middle East area, especially the whole part of Persian Gulf and some parts of the Arabian Peninsula, the name of "Pars Sea" has been widely written in the compiled texts.

In the travel account of Pythagoras, several chapters are related to description of his travels accompanied by Darius the Great, to Susa and Persepolis, and the area is described. From among the writings of others in the same period, there is the inscription and engraving of Darius the great, installed at junction of waters of Arabian Gulf (Ahmar Sea = Red sea) and Nile river and Rome river (current Mediterranean) which belongs to the 5th century BC where, Darius, the king of Achaemenid Empire has named the Persian Gulf Water Channel: Pars Sea.

Naming dispute

A historical map of the Persian Gulf in a Dubai museum, United Arab Emirates with the word Persian removed.
Main article: Persian Gulf naming dispute

With the rise of Arab nationalism (Pan-Arabism) in the 1960s, some Arab states of the region started adopting the term "Arabian Gulf" (in Arabic: الخلیج العربي al-ḫalīǧ al-ʻarabi) to refer to the waterway. However, this naming has not found much acceptance outside of the Arab world, and is not recognized by the United Nations or any other international organization. The United Nations Secretariat on many occasions has requested that only "Persian Gulf" be used as the official and standard geographical designation for the body of water. Historically, "Arabian Gulf" has been a term used to indicate the Red Sea. At the same time, the historical veracity of the usage of "Persian Gulf" can be established from the works of many medieval historians.

At the Twenty-third session of the United Nations in March-April 2006, the name "Persian Gulf" was confirmed again as the legitimate and official term to be used by members of the United Nations.

When the question was put to Khomeini as to whether it should be called Arabian Gulf or Persian Gulf, he tactfully replied that were it to be renamed from its current name (ie. Persian Gulf) then it should be called the Islamic Gulf (as the Gulf is between only Muslim countries). Khomeini is a 'Seyed', meaning he is a descendant of Prophet Muhammad and thus of Arabic lineage.

History

This section needs expansion. You can help by making an edit requestadding to it . (June 2008)

Pre-Islamic era

For most of the history of human settlement in the Persian Gulf the southern side was ruled by nomadic tribes. During the end of fourth millennium BC the southern part of the Persian Gulf was dominated by the Dilmun civilization. For a long time the most important settlement on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf was Gerrha. In the second century the Lakhum tribe, who lived in Yemen, migrated north and founded the Lakhmid Kingdom along the southern coast. During the 7th century the Sassanid Empire conquered the whole of the Persian Gulf.

Between 625 BC and 226 AD the northern side was dominated by the Median, Achaemenid, Seleucid and Parthian empires. After the fall of the Parthian Empire, the Sassanid empire ruled the northern half and at times the southern half of the Persian Gulf. the Persian Gulf, along with the Silk Road was very important to trade in the Sassanid empire. Siraf was an ancient Sassanid port that was located on the north shore of the Persian Gulf in what is now the Iranian province of Bushehr.

Colonial era

Portuguese expansion into the Indian Ocean in the early sixteenth century following Vasco da Gama's voyages of exploration saw them battle the Ottomans up the coast of the Persian Gulf. In 1521, a Portuguese force led by commander Antonio Correia invaded Bahrain to take control of the wealth created by its pearl industry. IIn April 29 of 1602, Shāh Abbās, the Persian emperor of Safavid Persian Empire expelled the Portuguese from Bahrain., and that date is commemorated as National Persian Gulf day in Iran. With the support of the British fleet, in 1622 'Abbās took the island of Hormuz from the Portuguese: much of the trade was diverted to the town of Bandar 'Abbās which he had taken from the Portuguese in 1615 and had named after himself. The Persian Gulf was therefore opened by Persians to a flourishing commerce with Portuguese, Dutch, French, Spanish and British merchants, which were granted particular privileges.

See also: British Residency of the Persian Gulf

From 1763 until 1971, the British Empire maintained varying degrees of political control over some Persian Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates (originally called the "Trucial Coast States") and at various times Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar through the British Residency of the Persian Gulf.

The United Kingdom maintains a high profile in the region; in 2006, over 1 million Britons visited Dubai alone.

Wildlife

Mangroves in the Persian Gulf, which are thought to require tidal flow and a combination of fresh and salt water, are nurseries for crabs, small fish and insects - and the birds that eat them.

See also

References

  1. ^ Working Paper No. 61, UNITED NATIONS GROUP OF EXPERTS ON GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES, dated March 28, April 4, 2006 (); accessed February 09, 2007
  2. Touraj Daryaee, The Persian Gulf Trade in Late Antiquity, Journal of World History, Vol. 14, No. 1., March 2003, (LINK); accessed February 09, 2007
  3. ^ Niusha Boghrati, Omission of 'Persian Gulf' Name Angers Iran, World Press.com, dated December 28, 2006 (LINK)
  4. UN Map (LINK)
  5. UN Map of Iran()
  6. UN Map of Western Asia, ()
  7. . The Persian Gulf at the Millennium: Essays in Politics, Economy, Security, and Religion edited by Gary G. Sick, Lawrence G. Potter, pg 8
  8. ()
  9. Working Paper No. 61, UNITED NATIONS GROUP OF EXPERTS ON GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES, dated March 28, April 4, 2006, p.2 ()
  10. Hecataeus (472 to 509 B.C.) can be stated where Persian Gulf and Arabian Gulf (Red Sea) have been clearly shown.
  11. Also a map has remained from Herodotus, the great Greek historian (425-484 B.C.) which introduces Red Sea as the Arabian Gulf
  12. In the world map of Diseark (285-347 B.C.) too, Persian Gulf and Arabian Gulf have been clearly distinct.
  13. Many maps and deeds prepared up to the 8th century by the historians such as Arrian, Hecataeus, Herodotus, Hiparek, Claudius Batlamious, Krats Malous.
  14. Arriann, "Alexander Fleet in the Persian Gulf", in Anabasis Alexandri: Book VIII (INDICA)
  15. In the Islamic period, Khwārizmī, Abou Yousef Eshagh Kandi, Ibn Khordadbeh, Batani (Harrani), Mas'udi, Balkhi, Estakhri, Ibn Houghal, Aboureyhan Birouni and others, mention that there is a wide sea at south of Iran named “Pars Sea”, “Pars Gulf”, “Fars Sea”, “Fars Gulf”, “Bahre Fars”, “Sinus Persicus” and “Mare Persicum” and so on.
  16. In a book, named “Persilus Aryateria”, the Greek traveller of the 1st century A.D. has called the Red Sea as Arabian gulf; the Indian ocean has been named Aryateria Sea; the waters at Oman Coast is called Pars Sea; Barbarus region (between Oman and Yemen coast are called belonging to Pars, and the Gulf located at south side of Iran is named: Persian Gulf. By describing the water body, the life of Persians living at both sides have also been confirmed.
  17. Working Paper No. 61, UNITED NATIONS GROUP OF EXPERTS ON GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES, dated March 28, April 4, 2006, p.2 ().
  18. ^ Juan R. I. Cole, "Rival Empires of Trade and Imami Shiism in Eastern Arabia, 1300-1800", p. 186, through JSTOR.
  19. Iran daily, Retrieved on 26 February, 2009.
  20. Peter Beaumont, "Blair was dangerously off target in his condemnation of Iran", The Guardian, December 24, 2006.
  21. Jim Krane (2006-07-03). "Development in Persian Gulf Threatens Wildlife". Discovery Channel. Retrieved 30 June 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)

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26°54′17″N 51°32′51″E / 26.90472°N 51.54750°E / 26.90472; 51.54750

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