ASTERABAD, a small province in the north-east
part of Persia, sometimes included in that of Mazan-
deran. It is bounded by the Caspian sea on the west,
by lofty mountains on the south, on the north by the
river Ashor, and extends to the 58th degree of longitude
on the east. It nearly coincides with the ancient Hy-
cania, and is the native province of the present king
of Persia. It is a mountainous country, in some parts
fruitful, in others sandy and barren. Asterabad is the
chief town. E. Long. 54. N. Lat. 36. 50.