The unveiling of the book “Baghou Village” can be viewed as a milestone in the invaluable journey of preserving and reintroducing the cultural heritage of Kish Island—a work that is far more than a historical account.
According to Roykard Kish, quoting the Public Relations and Affairs Department of the Kish Free Zone Organization, Masoud Rahbari, during the launch ceremony of the “Historical Baghou Village” book—held in the very heart of this traditional village—emphasized the cultural significance of the event. He stated: “We have come together in this ceremony to take a small step in honoring the ways of life and heritage of this coral land and beautiful island of Kish, unveiling a work that represents an effort to showcase part of this rich culture.”
Rahbari highlighted that the book is not merely a written product, but a reflection of a longstanding identity. He added: “Today, we are gathered not just to unveil a book, but to celebrate the cultural legacy and native traditions—an enduring heritage that forms the foundations of life and links the present generation with the authenticity, grandeur, and glorious history of their ancestors.”
He further pointed out the Kish Free Zone Organization’s active role in supporting local culture: “Within the Kish Free Zone Organization, we consider it our duty to use all means, tools, and opportunities to protect and sustain the deep-rooted identity woven into the community of this island in an institutionalized and lasting manner.”
Rahbari, acting president of the Cultural and Social Department of the Kish Free Zone Organization, also emphasized the abilities of local islanders in preserving and revitalizing their heritage: “Recent history shows that the island’s natives need no guidance from the likes of me to uphold their customs and traditions, teach the art of hospitality to other peoples and nations, or showcase their creativity in the tourism industry—all they need is the right opportunity.”
He noted the essential role local residents play in developing ecotourism zones: “Every brick in these structures, every beauty that has taken shape today in the indigenous area of the island, has been built with the hard work and investment of the locals themselves. Today, as an official, I can proudly invite Kish’s guests to visit these areas and witness the outcome of these noble people’s efforts firsthand, adding to their cherished Kish travel memories.”
Mohammad Hassannia, a historian and Gulf region researcher as well as the book’s author, explained the cultural, social, and historical dimensions of one of Kish’s oldest settlements during the ceremony.
Hassannia said: “I am honored to have documented and explored part of the cultural and historical heritage of this land with my research work on Baghou Village.”
He described Baghou as one of the island’s most ancient and authentic ecological habitats, holding a treasure trove of traditions, customs, beliefs, and lifestyles.
The main aim of this book, according to Hassannia, is to provide a comprehensive and multi-faceted perspective on the cultural fabric of the region. “In this work, I examine and analyze Baghou’s place in the context of Kish and the Persian Gulf’s transformations from economic, social, cultural, and historical angles.”
He also elaborated on his research method: “Throughout my study, I used field research and in-depth interviews with Baghou’s long-term residents, believing that many of the village’s hidden cultural and social values could only be discovered and recorded through conversations with elders, keepers of oral history, and native storytellers.”
