Bandar Torkaman (), formerly known as Bandar Shah (), is a city and capital of Torkaman County, Golestan Province, Iran. At the 2006 census its population was 45,045, in 9,755 families. Bandar Torkaman is a port on the Caspian Sea. It is approximately from Tehran. Some west of Bandar Torkaman is Ashooradeh Island. Economy The economy is based on agriculture, handicrafts, animal husbandry, fishing and tourism, with 50 percent of Iranian caviar being extracted near this port. Ashouradeh Island attracts many tourists. Bandar Torkaman is also called "Cotton Island". Cotton is grown abundantly in the harbor which makes Bandar Torkaman a strategic cotton-cultivator in the country. Tourism In the past, the city was equipped with three big jetties and was used by the Allied Forces during the World War II for transportation of equipment. However, two jetties have sunk and presently, due to poor equipment and the gradual decline of water, Bandar Torkaman possesses only one jetty, is no longer bustling and is mostly used to communicate with Ashouradeh Island. During Norouz (New Iranian Year) and summers, this jetty is full of seasonal merchants who bring Turkman fabricated objects to the city for sale. Ashouradeh Island is a main attraction in the region. Environment During the colder months of the year, the Gomishan lagoon, Bandar Torkaman's highly biodiverse wetland habitat, hosts many thousands of migrating birds from icy Siberia, far to the northeast, including cranes, ducks, storks and geese. Carpets Carpet-weaving is a major source of income for the inhabitants. Turkmen cushions, carpets, prayer rugs, and felt mats woven in this region are not only sold in other cities within Iran but are also exported throughout the world (See Persian rugs). Turkmen cushions and carpets are known for their ancient patterns. Jajim (rustic textiles, similar to mats or blankets), and Palas (homespun woolen cloth), woven by local craftspeople, are yet further regional art-forms which showcase the time-honoured traditions and skills of the Turkmen of northeastern Iran, who share a common cultural heritage with their neighbors in nearby Turkmenistan. Culture Traditions During the Ramadan mourning season the residents rejoice, feast, and spray rose water and perfume in the mosques. On the first day of Ramazan they cook special oily bread and distribute them in the mosques and to neighbors. Also on the night of Ghadr, the young ones receive presents from their elders, mostly in the form of cash. Then they