Farasan Islands
- Coordinates
- 16.8, 41.85
The Farasan Islands are a coral island archipelago located approximately 40 km off the coast of Jizan in the Red Sea, and are part of the Jazan Province of Saudi Arabia. The islands have a total area of 1050 square kilometers and comprise around 200 islands, with the largest being Farasan Island.
The Farasan Islands have a rich history dating back to the 1st century AD when they were known as Portus Ferresanus. A Roman garrison was constructed on the island, as evidenced by a Latin inscription found on the island dating back to 144 AD. The islands were believed to have been attached to the Roman province of Arabia Felix before being transferred to Roman Egypt. This makes the Farasan Islands one of the farthest Roman outposts, nearly 4000 km from Rome.
The Farasan Islands Protected Area was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2021, and the islands are currently included on Saudi Arabia's tentative list for World Heritage status. Today, the islands are home to a population of around 13,529 people as of 2022, and are governed as the Farasan Islands Governorate of Jazan Province. The islands continue to be an important part of Saudi Arabia's natural and cultural heritage, with efforts being made to protect and preserve their unique ecosystem and history.
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Details
- Description
- In the 1st century AD, the islands were known as ''Portus Ferresanus''. A Latin inscription dating from 144 AD has been found on the island which attests to the construction of a Roman garrison.
- Location Text
- South Mazarkiff Light