Astara, Iran

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Astara is also the name of a Raion in Azerbaijan, see Astara (rayon). For the capital of Astara raion, see Astara, Azerbaijan.
Astara
Astara (Iran)
Astara
Astara
Location in Iran
Coordinates: 38°25′25″N 48°52′24″E / 38.42361, 48.87333
Country Iran
Province Gilan Province

Astara (Persian: آستارا) is a city in the Iranian province of Gilan. It lies on the border with Azerbaijan Republic and on the Caspian Sea. It is a relatively important border trade center between Iran and the Caucasus.

Contents

[edit] Etymology

The city's name is derived from the Talysh word اوسته‌رو (Osta-ro or hosta-ro), meaning "the place where the travel gets slower" (given the marshlands that surrounded the region before). [1].

[edit] History

Astara is an area where Zoroaster may have visited. Its history dates back to 6,000 years ago. The spoken language was Talysh, but due to commerce with Azeris and migration of Azeris into town, the use of Talysh has been reduced significantly.

There is also a city with this name just on the opposite side of the border, within the Republic of Azerbaijan. The northern Astara (in present-day Azerbaijan) was ceded from Persia by the Treaty of Gulistan of 1813 between Russia and Persia.

[edit] People

[edit] Famous people from astara

[edit] Transport

Astara is a railhead for the Azerbaijan Railways.


[edit] External links

[edit] References

Coordinates: 38°25′25″N, 48°52′24″E