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Description

This engraving of Bandar Abbas in Persia), is a detailed view engraved by Johann Christian Haffner, which appeared in the 1685 Johann Christoph Wagner's publication Interiora Orientis detecta, oder Grundrichtige und eigentliche Beschreibung aller heut zu Tag bekandten grossen und herrlichen Reiche des Orients.

The image portrays the Persian port city of Bandar Abbas, known historically as Gamron, which was a crucial hub for trade between Persia and European powers, particularly the Dutch, English, and French, during the 17th century. 

Bandar Abbas, located along the southern coast of Persia on the Strait of Hormuz, held immense strategic value due to its position as a key maritime gateway connecting the Persian Gulf with international sea routes. The city's importance grew under the Safavid Empire, becoming a center for international trade where European colonial powers established their trading posts. This view highlights the international presence in the city, with specific references to the Dutch ("Der Holländische wohnung"), English ("Die Englische wohnung"), and French ("Die Frantzösische wohnung") settlements. 

The engraving offers a panoramic view of the city, set against the dramatic backdrop of the surrounding mountains. The foreground features the bustling harbor, where European ships can be seen docked, reflecting the city’s role as a major trading port. Numerous buildings, fortifications, and religious structures are intricately depicted, including a "Persian mosque or temple" ("Ein Persiänische Meßhid oder Tempel"). Fortifications ("Eine festung") and a castle ("Castell") are also noted, indicative of the city's defensive infrastructure to protect against potential naval incursions. 

The legend beneath the image provides a guide to the important landmarks within the city, such as the burial site for the Dutch ("Der Holländische begrab Platz"), the various European residential quarters, and the shipyard ("die Schiffslände"). These annotations not only reflect the city’s cosmopolitan nature but also illustrate its complex colonial and mercantile interactions.