Hormuz, the island that gives its name to the strait, reacts to the blockade: ‘Everything has collapsed’

The island of Hormuz is one of the few places in Iran where women wear burkas. Due to the island’s proximity to the Arab countries on the other side of the Persian Gulf, wearing this garment—which covers the entire face and is more common among Sunni Muslims than Shiites—is a deeply ingrained custom. However, instead of fabric, the burkas here are made of colorful masks in various shapes and sizes, adding a spectacular touch to this small volcanic island, rich in salts and minerals, which gives its name to the strait. The island’s unique character has allowed its inhabitants to make a living from tourism, supplementing their traditional source of income: fishing. But the blockade of the strait, a consequence of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, has placed the population of around 10,000 inhabitants on the front lines, plunging them into despair. Many have chosen to flee the area due to the collapse of their economy and the threat of attacks.

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