or BER, a town of Asiatic Turkey, in the government of Orfa. It occupies an elevated situation on the left bank of the Esphrates, which is here about 130 yards broad, deep and rapid; and is crossed by a bridge of boats. The town consists of about 2000 houses, mostly in a decaying state, and is protected by a citadel, which stands on a precipitous eminence, and by a wall in a dilapidated condition. Bir is a considerable thoroughfare from Aleppo to Orfa, Diarbekr, and Persia, and a considerable trade was formerly carried on to Baghdad by vessels descending the river. It is 144 miles N.E. of Aleppo, and 115 S.W. of Diarbekr. Long. 38° 6' E. Lat. 36° 48' N.