Rasht

Rasht (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.

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Rasht

City (pop., 1996: 417,748), north-central Iran. It is situated on a branch of the Safid River south of the Caspian Sea. Its importance as the main city of the Gilan region dates from Russia's expansion southward in the 17th century. In the 20th century, it was severely damaged by Russian occupation during both world wars. Surrounded by rice fields and areas of half-cleared forests, it is a market and processing centre for rice, tea, peanuts, and silk.

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Rasht, Resht

a city in NW Iran, near the Caspian Sea: agricultural and commercial centre in a rice-growing area. Pop.: 586 000 (2005 est.)

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Rasht 

a city in Iran, capital of the ostan (province) of Gilan. Population, 157,000 (1970). The city is linked by highway with Tehran and the port of Pahlavi on the Caspian Sea. Rasht has developed since the 18th century as an important trade and transit point between Iran and Russia. It has been a sericultural center since the 14th century. Knitwear and jute are produced. Rasht also has a woodworking factory, a glassworks, and a tea factory. Handicrafts include wood carving and artistic embroidery.