Iran celebrates Persian Gulf National Day

Iran has commemorated the National Day of the Persian Gulf.

Every year, Iranians observe the Persian Gulf Day on the 10th of Ordibehesht, the second month on the Persian calendar, which falls on April 29 or 30.

The date coincides with the anniversary of a successful military campaign by Shah Abbas I in 1622, which drove the Portuguese navy out of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that separates the Persian Gulf from the Sea of Oman.

The national occasion is meant to call attention to the fact that historians and ancient texts have referred to the inland sea as the Persian Gulf since the Achaemenid Empire was established in what is now modern-day Iran.

The Persian Gulf is also important as an international trade route connecting the Middle East to Africa, India and China.

Iran’s National Orchestra, conducted by Homayoun Rahimian and featuring the vocals of Hossein Alishapour, performed the concert “That Persian Blue” on the occasion of the Persian Gulf National Day.

The event took place at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall, with a national approach emphasizing the celebration of Iranian identity and the historical and cultural significance of the Persian Gulf.

“That Persian Blue” endeavors to express through music the deep bond between the people of this land and the Persian Gulf, serving as a reminder of the bravery and devotion of those who, throughout history, have sacrificed their lives to protect Iran.