Sharafkhaneh Port City

 Urmia Lake, which is also called Chichast in ancient sources, is known as the largest internal lake of Iran. Since the early years of the current century, this lake has been gradually receding to the point that in the year 2022 AD more than 90% of its area dried up. However, in recent years, certain plans and measures have been underway to revive the beautiful Urmia Lake.

Sailing in Lake Urmia

According to historical sources, the history of shipping in Lake Urmia dates back to before the Mongol invasion (1219 AD); even though the most detailed available reports about this phenomenon date back to the 19th century. At one point in history, the privilege of shipping in Lake Urmia was exclusive to some influential people and top government officials but in 1924 AD and following a law passed by Iran’s National Assembly (parliament) this right was handed over to the government. Shipping in this lake was very thriving until about three decades ago, and several ports, including Sharafkhaneh Port, were considered important sites of this lake. Today, due to the decrease in the water level of the lake, not only is it not possible to sail in it, but the coastal ports of it have also stopped functioning. Nevertheless, there are still many attractions in them, attractions that make areas such as Sharafkhaneh Port welcome tourists throughout the year.

Sharafkhaneh Port in the Past and Present

Sharafkhaneh Port is known as one of the cities of Shabestar County in East Azarbaijan Province and the largest coastal port of Lake Urmia. This port is located in the northeast of Lake Urmia and it is 20 and 90 km away from Shabestar and Tabriz, respectively. Because of their geographical conditions, Shabestar Couty and Sharafkhaneh Port have a relatively moderate climate. Nowadays, when shipping has stopped in Sharafkhaneh, the people of this city are mostly engaged in agriculture and they work in the fields of grains and beans and orchards of almonds, apricots, cherries, pears, plums, and apples. Tabriz-Jolfa railway track, which plays an important role in the movement of goods and passengers, passes through this city. This issue had, in the past, doubled the importance of Sharafkhaneh Port and prompted the creation of vast facilities for storing goods and welcoming tourists. Although Lake Urmia is almost dry today, the equipment and facilities left from the old port of this city still welcome many tourists, especially during the rainy days of the year, when the water level of the lake rises and reaches the port of Sharafkhaneh, making its scenery and nature outstandingly beautiful. Sharafkhaneh is considered one of the best places for mud therapy and water therapy.

Tal Wharf and the Attractions of Sharafkhane Port

Despite the decrease in the water level of the lake, Tal Wharf is considered one of the historical sites of Sharafkhaneh Port. The structure of the wharf has 24 stone pillars with a diameter of 40 cm and a height of 13 meters. This wharf is 20 meters long and 12 meters wide. There are several ships and a number of port facilities next to the wharf, which are worth seeing. The remains of administrative buildings and warehouses can also be seen near the wharf.

Tal Wharf was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 2008 AD.