Jezira Haft Talar is another name of ____________?

The correct answer is Astola Island.

Located approximately 25 kilometers south of the nearest part of the coast and 39 kilometers southeast of the fishing port of Pasni in Balochistan, Astola Island is a hidden gem of the Arabian Sea. It is famously known among the local population and in historical records as Jezira Haft Talar, which translates from the Balochi language to "Island of the Seven Rocks" or "Island of the Seven Plateaus." This name stems from the island's unique topography, characterized by a series of seven distinct, sloping plateaus that give the landmass a rugged and tiered appearance when viewed from the sea.

Geographic and Physical Profile

Astola Island is Pakistan's largest offshore island, stretching roughly 6.7 kilometers in length and 2.3 kilometers in width. Its geography is quite striking; the island is essentially a large, tilted plateau with deep cliffs on one side and a gradual slope toward the sandy beaches on the other. Because it is uninhabited and isolated from the mainland, it has preserved a pristine environment that is rarely found elsewhere in the region. The highest point of the island reaches an elevation of about 246 feet above sea level, providing a vantage point that has been used by sailors for centuries.

Historical and Mythological Significance

The history of Jezira Haft Talar stretches back to antiquity. It was mentioned in the accounts of Arrian, the historian who chronicled the expeditions of Alexander the Great. During the return journey of Alexander's fleet from the Indus Delta to the Persian Gulf in 325 BC, his admiral, Nearchus, reportedly anchored near an island he called "Nosala." Local legends of that era claimed the island was inhabited by Nereids (sea nymphs) and was enchanted, making sailors hesitant to approach its shores.

In later centuries, the island became a site of religious significance. Even today, the remains of an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali are found on the island, where it is known to devotees as Satadip. Simultaneously, there is a prayer area (musalla) dedicated to the Sufi figure Khwaja Khizr, who is traditionally associated with the protection of travelers and the sea. This blend of ancient Greek accounts, Hindu mythology, and Islamic tradition highlights the island's role as a cross-cultural landmark for maritime travelers.

Ecological Importance

In modern times, the significance of Astola Island shifted from mythology to conservation. In 2017, the Government of Balochistan declared Astola Island as Pakistan's first Marine Protected Area (MPA). This was a landmark decision aimed at protecting the island’s fragile ecosystem. It serves as a vital nesting ground for the endangered Green Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle. Furthermore, the island is home to the Astola Viper (Echis carinatus astolae), a subspecies of the saw-scaled viper that is endemic to this specific island and found nowhere else on Earth.

The waters surrounding Jezira Haft Talar are equally rich, supporting a diverse range of coral reefs and over 25 species of coral. These reefs provide a breeding ground for numerous species of fish and marine life, which in turn supports the artisanal fishing communities of the Makran coast.

Modern Infrastructure and Access

Despite its historical and ecological weight, the island remains largely undeveloped. There is a solar-powered lighthouse maintained by the government to guide commercial shipping vessels through the Arabian Sea, but there are no permanent human settlements. Visitors, mostly eco-tourists and scuba divers, must bring their own supplies from Pasni, as the island has no source of fresh water. This isolation is precisely what allows Jezira Haft Talar to remain one of the few places in the region where the natural beauty of the "Seven Plateaus" remains untouched by modern urbanization.