Laft Historic Village (Laft)
Laft is one of Qeshm's oldest and best-preserved towns: courtyard houses, a forest of windcatchers and boatyards by the sea. A slow walk through its lanes shows better than any museum how islanders have lived with heat and water.
Type: Villages and culture · Area: Laft
Where is Laft?
Laft sits on the northwest of Qeshm Island, in the Central District of Qeshm County. According to Wikipedia it is the town closest to the mainland, near Bandar Pol. Its population was about 4,668 in the 2016 census, and it was officially made a city in 2021.
A little history
Laft was once the centre of Qeshm Island, and its fort was the seat of the Al Mo'in family. Its men traded by sailing dhows (lenj) with Africa and India, which brought the town wealth and a distinct seafaring culture.
One reason given for the town's founding is a natural creek that acts like a breakwater for boats. Laft lies east of the Hara mangrove forest, so sea and forest sit side by side.
Windcatchers and architecture
The town's defining architectural feature is the windcatcher (badgir). Almost every house has a central courtyard and a windcatcher, and the many windcatchers are a hallmark of the old fabric. They traditionally channel breezes into the house to ease muggy summers.
As you walk, look at the old doors and walls, high ceilings and small courtyards. Many homes are still lived in, so be respectful and ask before photographing residents.
Boatbuilding and the shore
Dhow building was once more prosperous and, according to sources, has declined in recent years, yet boatyards by the shore are still active. Dhow owners once carried goods from Bandar Abbas to Dubai or Pakistani ports.
Watching a yard up close, with the smell of wood and the sound of tools, is rare elsewhere. Activity is not guaranteed on any given day; if people are working, watch politely.
Tala wells and the Khuran channel next door
Local attractions include the water cistern (ab anbar), a temporary lake that forms after rain, and the house of Dr. Nadalian, now an art space and gallery. The Tala Wells are close by and have their own page. You can book Laft tours and transfers on Qeshmoff.
How to get there
Drive or take a taxi from Qeshm city or Dargahan towards the island's northwest and Laft.
If you arrive from Bandar Pol, Laft is Qeshm's closest town to the mainland.
For convenience, book a tour or transfer on Qeshmoff.
Best time to visit
The cooler months (autumn to early spring) are better for walking the lanes.
Morning and late afternoon give better light for photos and milder weather.
Summer is very hot and humid; avoid the middle of the day.
Visit in daytime hours if you want to see the boatyards at work.
Visiting tips
- Wear modest, comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
- Ask residents before taking their photo.
- Many houses are lived in; do not enter courtyards or homes.
- Carry water and a hat.
- If a yard is active, do not disturb the work or touch the tools.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Laft have windcatchers?
A windcatcher is a traditional way of channelling air into a house. According to Wikipedia almost every house in Laft has a courtyard and a windcatcher.
Is dhow building still active?
Boatyards by the shore are still active, though the trade is less prosperous than before. Activity on any given day is not guaranteed.
Where are the Tala Wells?
The Tala Wells are near Laft and have a separate page on MyQeshm.
How much time do I need?
Roughly one to two hours covers a walk through the old quarter and the shore, though it depends on your pace.
Where do I book a Laft tour?
You can book Laft tours and transfers on Qeshmoff.