ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDY OF NOWRUZ DARYA, THE RITUAL OF FISHERMEN IN SOUTHERN IRAN

Examining Iranian celebrations and rituals and the time of their celebration shows common features among all of them. These celebrations are related to natural, cosmic, and climatic phenomena, and for this reason, their time coincides with the natural calendar. The Persian Gulf region has witnessed the formation of various rites, customs, celebrations, and traditions in the context of history, each of which, in addition to its own beauty, has played an important role in the cultural and civilizational developments of the region and the world. In the formation of these rituals and traditions, factors and elements such as the productive way of life of the people caused by the living conditions and geographical determinism (coastal life), the use of individual taste and talent, as well as two important social phenomena, i.e. maritime trade and migration (displacement of populations), have been influential. Some of these customs and traditions have either been created in the framework of common beliefs among the people of other regions, or their formation has its roots in the customs of their ancestors in ancient times. This research has investigated the ritual of Nowruz Darya in Qeshm by a qualitative method and through direct observation. This research shows that these rituals, in addition to increasing solidarity and national identity in this region, are also very effective in attracting tourists.