KELAT, or The Fortress, is a singular valley in the province of Khorassan, in Persia, which extends, in a direction nearly E. and W., from 50 to 60 miles in length, and from 12 to 15 in breadth, situated amongst the hills that divide the plain of Mashed from the desert. It is surrounded by mountains so steep and difficult by nature as to be almost impassable, and they have been rendered completely so by art. The rocks, says Fraser, are scarped in the outside, presenting a mural appearance, so that there is no possibility of scaling them; and beyond these is a lesser range, with a hollow between, which the natives call the ditch. Not less care has been taken in the inside to increase every natural difficulty, so as to render a descent into, or an escape from, the valley equally impracticable. There are two openings in this valley, one at the western and one at the eastern extremity. These openings, which are both narrow and intricate, are called the gates of the fortress, and have been built up and fortified in such a manner that it is impossible to force an entrance. On these fortified gateways there are towers where watchmen are continually posted to give warning of all who approach, and none are admitted except those who have passed from the end of the valley. In this valley there is a great deal of cultivation, and its population amounts to 2000 families. It was in this stronghold that Nadir Shah intended to deposit his vast treasure. Futeh Allee Khan was placed in command of the fortress by Allee Shah, after the death of Nadir, and was killed in a brawl which subsequently took place. His son succeeded in putting the murderer to death, and he has ever since retained possession of the fortress. He is an independent chieftain, possessed of 1000 horse and 2000 foot, and can considerably increase the number by arming his villagers. As he is, besides, on good terms with the Turkomans of the desert, he can always command a large force of their cavalry.