ASTARABAD, chief town of Astarabad province, Persia; on the Astar, a tributary of the Kara Su, in 36° 4o' N. lat. and 3o' E. long., 23m. from the Caspian sea, at the foot of a thickly wooded spur of the Elburz. Occupying a commercially and strategically important position the town dates back to a remote antiquity. During the recurring disorders in Persia in the 18th century, Astarabad was frequently ravaged; it attained its present compass of 31-m. under Nadir Shah. Jonas Hanway, pioneer trader, visited the town in 1744 and endeavoured to open up a direct commerce through it between Europe and Asia. The town, built four square, is surrounded by a high wall flanked by bastions now much dilapidated. The frequent rains compel the inhabitants to build their houses of stone. The population, which must have been more numerous in earlier centuries, is estimated at 10,000-12,000. The chief articles of trade are cotton, rice, sugarcane, salt, sesame-oil, soap and carpets; but the trade has suffered heavily by the opening of the Trans-Caspian line. The climate is unhealthy especially during the hot weather.