Rasht

Related Category: Iranian Political Geography

(răsht) or Resht(rĕsht), city (1991 pop. 340,637), capital of Gilan prov., NW Iran, near the Caspian Sea. It is an administrative and trade center for a fertile agricultural region where rice, cotton, silk, and peanuts are produced. Manufactures include textiles, food products, and glass. Bandar-e Anzali serves as its port on the Caspian. The city has had a history of Russian influence since the 17th cent.