Bandar Khamir is one of the cities of Hormozgan Province in south-western Iran, located adjacent to the Persian Gulf and within the Khor Khoran International Wetland. With a population of approximately 20,000, the city is the largest settlement along the shores of the Khor Khoran Wetland. Its unique location between mountains, the sea and mangrove forests (Hara) has made Bandar Khamir one of the country’s most important natural and tourism areas.
The city has the longest wetland coastline in Iran. The Khor Khoran Wetland, covering an area of approximately 100,000 hectares, together with the Hara mangrove forests, covering approximately 86,000 hectares, form the largest marine wetland in Western Asia.
Bandar Khamir has historically been one of the important commercial and maritime ports of the Persian Gulf. Owing to its extensive connections with India, East Africa and the Arab countries, it has played an important role in maritime trade. Valuable historic sites, including Bandar Khamir Castle, dating from the late period of the reign of Nader Shah Afshar; the historic Qajar-period Customs House; and the historic Latidan Bridge, the longest historic bridge in Iran, dating from the Safavid period, bear witness to the historical background and importance of the region.
The city’s vernacular architecture, maritime culture and traditional crafts have also formed an important part of Bandar Khamir’s historical identity.
Local Cuisine
- Havari Mahi
- Havari Sur
- Maflak
- Kalba
- Do Piazeh Meygu
- Ghalieh (Katakh) Mahi
- Nan-e Tamooshi
- Nan-e Falizin
- Nan-e Shirin
- Nan-e Khameer
- Gerisat
- Nan-e Paniri Khameeri
Souvenirs
- Woven handicrafts made from palm leaves
- Dried seafood products
- Dates and date products (Basiz and others)
- Local spices of southern Iran
- Khor Khoran International Wetland and Hara Mangrove Forests
- Hara Tourism Complex
- Mardo Island
- Varmi Island
- Golden Island
- Del Island
- Nature Trail
- Gateway to Paradise
- Kalangar Cottage
- Ancient Hara Tree
- Historic Bandar Khamir Castle
- Historic Bandar Khamir Customs House
- Historic Latidan Bridge
- Baghiabad Industrial Village Museum
- Siakosh Hot Spring
- Geri Sheikh Cave
- Geriveh Cave
- Golden Waterfall and Salt Cave
- Hanaei Springs
- Salt Sculptures
Actions and Vision as a Learning City
Bandar Khamir joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) in 2021 and has since implemented a range of programmes aimed at promoting lifelong learning, citizen participation and sustainable development.
Key Actions
- Implementing the “Wetland Students” initiative to educate the younger generation about wetland conservation and climate change;
- Developing the Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness (CEPA) House as a centre for education and public participation;
- Promoting ongoing cooperation among the municipality, City Council, schools, universities, non-governmental organizations and local communities;
- Providing public education on the environment, citizenship, sustainable tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage;
- Actively participating in national and international programmes related to sustainable development.
Key Achievements
- Recognition as Iran’s first National Wetland City;
- Receiving the title of World Wetland City from the Ramsar Convention in 2022;
- Membership in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2021;
- Selection by UNESCO in 2024 as one of 12 cities worldwide recognized for their work in climate change education;
- The selection of the Bandar Khamir Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness (CEPA) Centre as one of the successful global models of climate education and sustainable development in UNESCO’s official guide, “Lifelong Learning in Climate Action and Sustainability,” in 2026.
Vision
Bandar Khamir’s vision is to become a national and international model for lifelong learning, wetland conservation, public participation and sustainable development; a city that connects education with the environment, local culture, responsible tourism and the local economy, while enhancing the quality of life of its citizens.
Contact Information
Address
Hormozgan Province, Bandar Khamir, Imam Khomeini Boulevard, Shahrdari Junction – Bandar Khamir Municipality
Phone Number
Learning City Office: 09107633327 | Municipality: 07633227602
info@khamir.ir
Learning City Mayor:
Mr. Abdolrahman Ghavasi
Learning City Coordinator:
Mr. Abdollah Mahmoudzadeh | Email: [abdollahhamodzadeh@gmail.com] | Mr. Erfani