ARDEBIL, or ARDEVILI one of the most ancient and celebrated towns of Persia, in the province of Ader bijian, situated on the river Karasu, near the Caspian sea, in a large plain, embosomed in an amphitheatre of mountains. This city, once the residence of kings, was formerly strong, and possessed a considerable trade ; but it is now an open town without walls. There is a cara vansary in the great square Ailcidan, for the accommoda tion of the Turkish, Tartar, Hindostanee, and other merchants who frequent the city. The produce and manufactures of the country, and likewise Asiatic and European merchandise, are sold in the bazar or market place. Though the soil is well adapted for corn and pasture, yet it is employed chiefly for rearing apples, pears, and peaches. There are several mineral waters in the neighbourhood of Ardebil ; one of these is a sul phureous spring, which is so strong that it even taints the surrounding air. There are also three springs, which are said to be nearly as hot as boiling water, and which are conveyed into the public baths of the city. The
climate of this place is very variable ; and the sudden transitions from extreme heat to intolerable cold, produce fatal epidemical distempers. At a small distance from the city there is a pool of standing water, which is co vexed with salt. The sheep are so numerous in the ad jacent country, that no fewer than 100,000 have passed over the bridge of Ardebil in one day. At Ardebil there is a curious establishment of the kings ol Persia, for feeding the poor. Thirty-five immense boilers are used for preparing the food which was distributed every morning to crowds of beggars. During the reign of Abbas, the distribution was made both in the morning and the evening. This city was taken and burned by Jenghiz Khan, 1222. East Long. 47° 23'. North Lat. 38" 14'. See Peuchet's Dict. et Commerc. vol. ii. p. 591. (a)