KERMAN, or KIRMAN (anc. Caramania), a province of Persia, lying between N. Lat. 25. 30. and 31. 20., and E. Long. 54. 30. and 60. 20., having N. Khorassan, E. Afghanistan and Beloochistan, S. the Persian Gulf, and W. Laristan and Fars. It is about 380 miles in length from N. to S. by 250 in extreme breadth, and has an estimated area of 65,000 square miles. Kerman is represented as being a generally mountainous territory, but the greater part of it is comparatively unknown. A mountain chain, the Djebel Abad, intersects the province from E. to W., and sends off numerous ramifications southward towards the coast. N. of this chain, the country is in general a barren, dreary waste, without a single river to irrigate the land. Almost the only exception to this is the district of Nurmansheer, about 90 miles in length by from 20 to 30 miles in breadth, and which is tolerably well watered by mountain streams, and has a good soil. A few productive spots are also to be found in the neighbourhood of mountain springs,
or where subterranean reservoirs have been made for irrigation. S. of the Djebel Abad, the country is very mountainous. Many of the plains and valleys are of great fertility, but here too are large tracts of barren waste. The principal river here is the Rud Shur, which flows southward into the Persian Gulf. The climate of Kerman is said to be less healthy than that of other parts of Persia. The chief productions are wheat, maize, barley, cotton, tobacco, saffron, madder, gums, and various kinds of fruits. The dates and grapes of particular parts are said to be very fine, but the other fruits are of inferior quality. White roses are extensively cultivated, the attar of these being highly esteemed. The mulberry tree is also largely cultivated for the breeding of silkworms. The rearing of cattle, sheep, goats, and camels, receives much attention. The inhabitants on the coast are chiefly engaged in fishing, but the pearl fishery, once so famous, has now been abandoned. The mineral wealth of the province is said to be considerable, but iron, copper, and sulphur, are the only products hitherto obtained. The manufactures comprise fine woollen fabrics, carpets, goats' and camels' hair shawls, coarse linens, and matchlocks. The southern part of Kerman, called Mogostan, is subject to the Imam of Muscat. Pop. about 600,000.