Abadan: From Ancient Port to Oil Hub, Surviving War and Rebuilding

The origins of Abadan can be traced back to the 8th century, with legends attributing its founding to a pious man named Abbad. During the Abbasid era, it flourished as a notable port, renowned for its production of salt and intricately woven mats. However, the dynamic nature of the river delta, characterized by the gradual deposition of silt, led to a shift in the coastline, causing the Persian Gulf to recede from the city over time. By the 14th century, the renowned Arab traveler Ibn Battuta described Abadan as a modest settlement amidst a vast, saline plain, a testament to the ever-changing landscape.