Rasht

Rasht rĕsht [key], 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.

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