a small province in the north-east part of Persia, sometimes included in that of Mazandaran. 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 Hyrcania, 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'.