The Art of Shipbuilding in Iran: A Heritage from the Persian Gulf
Shipbuilding is one of Iran’s original and ancient maritime arts, rooted in the country’s southern coastal civilization. Lenj boats are traditional wooden vessels that have been used for fishing, carrying cargo, and passengers in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
History of Shipbuilding in Iran
The history of shipbuilding in Iran dates back thousands of years. Archaeologists have found evidence of ancient ships on the Iranian coast, indicating the antiquity of this maritime industry. Shipbuilding flourished during various historical periods, particularly during the Sassanid and Islamic eras.
Raw Materials and Tools Required
To build a lenj, natural and local materials are used:
Wood: The wood of mangrove, kehvar, and konar trees, due to their resistance to saltwater, is the best choice for the hull of the lenj.
Plant fibers: Plant fibers such as date palm fibers are used to seal and waterproof the lenj.
Wooden pegs: Wooden pegs are used to connect the pieces of wood together.
Hand tools: Including axes, saws, hammers, and other tools for shaping and connecting the pieces of wood.
Shipbuilding Process
Building a lenj is a long and precise process that involves the following steps:
Cutting wood: The wood is cut into the required pieces.
Shaping the hull: The pieces of wood are placed together in a specific way and connected using wooden pegs to form the hull of the lenj.
Building the deck: The deck of the lenj is made using wooden planks.
Sealing: To prevent water from entering the lenj, the seams between the pieces of wood are sealed with plant fibers.
Building the mast and sail: The mast and sail of the lenj are made of wood and fabric.
Types of Lenj
Lenj boats are divided into different types based on their size, shape, and use:
Sailing lenj: A lenj that is propelled by sails.
Motorized lenj: A lenj that is equipped with a motor.
Sailing-motor lenj: A lenj that can be propelled by both sails and a motor.