Capture of Hormuz
Hormuz Island, Strait of Hormuz, Iran
What happened
Persian forces of Shah Abbas I under Imam Quli Khan, helped by ships of the English East India Company, fought the Portuguese garrison of Hormuz. Portugal had held the fortress on Hormuz Island, controlling the entrance to the Persian Gulf, since 1507. In 1622 English ships carried Persian troops to the island, bombarded the castle and sank a Portuguese fleet. After a siege of over two months, the Portuguese garrison gave up the fortress.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended more than a century of Portuguese control of Hormuz and opened Persian trade to England. Persia then developed the mainland port of Bandar Abbas instead of the island.
What came next
The Portuguese moved their base to Muscat and tried several times to retake Hormuz but failed. Peace was made with Persia and England in 1635.
Did you know?
Hormuz Island is famous for its reddish soil and red beaches, coloured by a local ochre that islanders use in art and cooking.
Timeline
- 1507Portugal captures Hormuz Island.
- 23 April 1622The Portuguese fortress is occupied.
- 1635Portugal makes peace with Persia and England.