Marine Trade in Siraf during the First Islamic Centuries

Siraf port founded in Sassanid time in order to develop trade and security in Persian Gulf, and soon became very important, like Ubulla port. In Islamic medieval centuries, especially 3rd and 4th centuries A.H., some backgrounds and factors led Siraf to flourish and become the most important port in Persian Gulf. The decline of Basra port due to political riots; appropriate geographical location of Siraf and suitable depth of its shores; experiences and efforts of siraf’s seafarers and tradesmen; and finally Buyids special patronage to this port and its hinterlands in Fars province, are considerable factors in this regard. Siraf in its flourishing period had effective regional and intercontinental commercial relations with Different ports and regions of China, India and Ceylon, Red sea and eastern Africa, and southern and northern shores of Persian Gulf.