508 years ago, on this day, the Portuguese again established themselves on Hormoz Island, which opened a new chapter in the history of exploitation in the region.
Afonso de Albuquerque, the famous Portuguese admiral, first entered the island of Hormuz in 1507, pressuring the ruler of the island and forcing him to pay tribute to the Portuguese. In 1514, he invaded Hormuz again and took complete control of the island, leaving Saif al-Din, the ruler of Hormuz, as the tributary emir of Portugal at the head of the government of Hormuz. The Portuguese were constantly increase the tribute on Hormoz. In this period of time, Hormoz has been described as a beautiful, prosperous, flourishing and a peaceful city. The Portuguese domination on Hormoz did great damage to the Iranian economy. At the same time, Albuquerque built a fort on the coast of Hormuz. This fort is known as the “Castle of the Portuguese.” A treaty was signed between Iran and Portugal following the repeated Portuguese invasion of the island of Hormuz. Based on this treaty, Iran acknowledged that Hormoz was Portuguese colony. This domination of the commercial and economic affairs of Hormuz continued until the period of Shah Abbas I.
One of the main reasons for the arrival of the Portuguese (almost without resistance of the Iranians), and its 115 -years stay there, can be considered to have been the involvement of the central government of Iran in the war with the Ottomans. When the central government was somewhat relieved of the war with the Ottomans, it began sending troops south and cut off the Portuguese in Hormuz. The British, who came to the region after the Portuguese and found the expulsion of the Portuguese from the Persian Gulf and also India, in their interest, agreed with the government of Iran to expel the Portuguese. Eventually, Shah Abbas’s troops, led by Imam Qoli Khan and with the help of the British, drove the Portuguese out of Hormuz and lowered their flag over the island of Hormuz. The Portuguese Fortress of Hormuz is perhaps the most extensive colonial fortress built in the history of Persia. This structure was registered in the list of national monuments in 1998.
The “Geush” Day: the name of this Izad in Avesta is “Gaush” which means the world. The fourteenth day of each month is associated with this Izad. Geush Izad is the guardian of the whole universe. This day is one of the four days of abstaining from eating meat. Zoroastrians call this day “Nabor” and avoid killing animals and eating meat. It is said that this day should be celebrated.
Today, the day Geush Izad is the fourteenth day of the Zoroastrian calendar. According to the Zoroastrian calendar, which dates back to pre-Islamic periods, each month has 30 days, and each of these 30 days have name, and today is the day called “Geush”. Geush is an Izad (divine). The name Izad is used for praiseworthy creations, that is, the good and divine creations that are worthy of praise.. Geush Izad is so praiseworthy that even one of the Avesta Yashts is dedicated to this Izad. “Geush Yasht” or “Drvaspa Yasht” is the Yasht in which “Geush Izad” is mentioned.”
The word “Geush” or “Gaush” is mentioned many times in “Gathas” (poems of Ashu Zartosht), in “Avesta,” and in Pahlavi scripts. The word gaush has several meanings that must be understood in the sentence, like many other words.
This word means “the universe” and “the whole of creation”, and it also means “cow”. Of course, this meaning, i.e., “cow” in Iranian mythology, is the same as “creation” or “the universe”. In Avesta, Geush or Gaush means both cow and universe (giti). “Urva,” which means spirit (rowan), along with the word geush, carries the meaning of the spirit of the world or the spirit of a cow. “Geushurvan” is a keeper of herds and livestock. The “cow” in Iranian mythology is a symbol of the universe and a symbol of earthly life from a philosophical point of view.
Iranians believed that Geush Izad is the guardian and defender of valuable animals, and this mission is in agreement with the meaning of the name of this Izad. Therefore, in other words, harming useful animals means harming the creation, and harming the universe.
Geush izad rushes to the aid of “Vahman Amshaspand” with the help of “Mah Izad” and “Ram Izad” to protect valuable animals. So, mah Izad, Ram Iyazd and Geush izad are the partners of “Vahman Amshaspand” in this mission.
Zoroastrians have long avoided killing animals and eating their meat during these four days, and this is done to protect the number of animals and human health. Avoiding killing animals and eating their meat, is like a general agreement among Zoroastrians, to keep the animals safe during these four days.
Let us imagine that this agreement goes beyond this small community (Zoroastrian community), then all the people of the world are supposed to avoid killing animals on these 4 days; Undoubtedly, the number of killing animals will be significantly reduced, and on the other hand, it will be an exercise for humans to eat vegetables.
Every month, the day “Geush” reminds us of the creation. Geush Izad, like Ram Izad and Mah Izad, and Vahuman Amshaspand, is a reminder that we do not forget that we are part of this collection, if we hurt a part of the universe, we will be offended. It is said that this day should be celebrated.
