'MILITARY REPORT ON PERSIA. VOLUME IV, PART I.' [‎30r] (64/168)

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from Basidu, reaches a height of 1,300 feet. Qishm is,
apart from the villages, almost deserted, but the hills
contain some animal life. The coast is rocky. Some of
the hills, notably at Namakdan near the coast in the soutli-
west of the Island, are composed almost entirely of
excellent rock salt which is exported in large quantities.
The total population of the island is about 13,500 souls,
a mixture of Arab and coast Persian by race, the former
strain predominating. The great majority are Sunnis
by religion. A severe earthquake in 1898 reduced many of
the villages and killed a number of the people. A mongrel
mixture of Arabic and Persian is the language spoken in
the Island. One or other of these languages is however
readily understood everywhere. In Qishm Town especially,
and even in the smaller coast villages individuals will be
found who can converse in them.
The local chief for administration, under the authority,
of the Deputy Governor of Bandar Abbas, is the bheildi
of Qishm, who resides in the town of that name. The
Customs Department have a total of 10 officers situated in
Qishm town and the more important coast villages.
It is estimated that there are 279 native craft with an
aggregate tonnage of about 6,500 belonging to the islands
There are 33 villages on the island of Qishm of which
Qishm is the chief. Qishm, which is situated at the eastern
extremity of the island, stands on a level sandy site close
to the sea. Behind it and to the south the land rises m a
gradual slope, until it breaks off precipitously to the north
west. There are 10 domed, water reservoirs but only
one well, situated about a mile from the fort,
furnishes good water ; this supply is generally sufficien
for the population. An old Portuguese fort now stands
in a ruined state. _
The climate is cooler than Bandar Abbas. The popular
tion is roughly 3,500, in which the Arab element predomin
ates. These are mostly engaged in the fishing industry,
boat-building, and particularly boat-repairing, and the
manufacture of lungis. Qishm is the chief importing centre
of the Island and has a good deal of shipping, but there