Covering an area of approximately 438,000 square kilometers, it is the world's largest land-locked body of water or lake. It spreads between Iran, Russia, Turkamenistan, Qazaqistan and Azarbayjan. Its southern shores belonging to Iran are from the Makhtoom Ali Bay to Astara. 'Heerkany' is Khazar's ancient name and foreign maps and books also called it the 'Caspian'. Its shores are shallow and sandy. The average depth in the northern section is 6 m. and a maximum of 1,000 m. in the south and south west.
One of the most important clefts in the southern parts of the Caspian Sea is the Anzali Wetland, located to the south west of the Caspian; and the Mian Kaleh Peninsula which is seperated from the Caspian Sea by the Qazian and Gorgan Bays. These are amongst the famous attractions of Gilan and the Mazandaran provinces.
The Caspian Sea consists of three main sectors named as, the northern, central and southern. Its shores cover a distance of more than 6,380 m. of which about 657 m. beginning from Astara to the delta of the Attrak River is in the realm of Iran. The calm blue sea forms the northern view, and the dense forests covering the foot of the northern Alborz Mountains forms the southern landscape. The surrounding shores are covered by paddy fields, plantations and citrus orchards which create a wonderful scenery. As far as tourism is concerned, it comprises of active and semi-active areas.
Parts of the eastern and the central shores are the main areas of tourist attractions. Other parts such as Talesh and the Astara coast are the semi-active areas. Being far from the cities and industrial establishments, the sandy shores and natural landscapes form a healthier environment in comparison to other coastal areas.
These are the follwings: The Lishavandan Bridge (Qajar period), Gaz Roodbar Bridge in the old Somiehsara Road (Qajar era), the old bridge of Shafa Rood in Talesh (Qajar period), the Kheshti...
The tomb of Mirza Kuchak Khan Jangali, reputedly known as Sardar-e-Jangal is located in the south of Rasht. This simple and at the same time beautiful monument is held in high respect of all who...
Other ancient houses of the province which are mostly relevant to the Qajar period are: The houses of Haj Mirza Ahmad Abrishami (Rasht), Ayatollah Aqa Roodbari (Rasht), Dewan Beigi (Rasht), Mohammad...
This river takes its source from an area called 'Sheergoli'. Other small branches adjoin it in its flow. Its mountainous course has a gentle slope and after a bend, it flows southwards,...
Gilan has other rivers among which the most important are: Khatbeh Sara, Chelovand, Khooyeq, Navrood, Morqak, Khalkhaye, Masooleh Roodkhan, Shahkhazar, Peerbazar, Tonkabon, Siyahrood, Firehrood,...
The same takes its source in the southern heights of Lahijan. Its two branches adjoin about 7 km. away from its source, and from this point the river flows towards the west. After passing a large...
This mosque is situated near the Dinachal Village and amongst its remains are the signs of plaster work and an inscription in the Kufic script revealing its long history. The Espeyeh Mosque is the...
The same is one of the reputed constructions of the province, built in the year 1206 AH. located in Lasht Nesha, and registered by the Cultural Heritage Organization. Its inscription dating back to...
This mausoleum is situated at a distance of 34 km. east of Rasht and in the city of Astaneh Ashrafieh. According to records the said is the offspring of the 7th Imam of the Shi'ite sect. The...
These bazaars are vicinities where various commodities are supplied, such as eatables and essentials that are commonly utilized.Women in beautiful local apparel offer their goods for sale in these...
The Rasht Museum extends over an area of 560 sq. m. and is a double storeyed structure. These premises belonged to Mirza Hossein Khan Kasmaie, (an ally of Mirza Kuchak Khan Jangali). The same was...
The most famous handicrafts of the province are: wooden articles, hand woven textiles, carpets, jajeems (or a type of loosely woven woolen material), Kilims (or a coarse type of carpet), silk weaves,...
This village has made impressive progress during the years and has turned into a city. Kiashahr is located on the banks of a beautiful wetland, and enjoys a wonderful landscape and pleasant weather....
This village is situated in the south west of Fooman, 63 km. from Rasht. It enjoys a moderate climate. Local architecture, springs, waterfalls, the 'Rood Khan' River and dense forests all...
The history of this village dates back to over a thousand years, and is situated near the city of Manjil. Naser Khosrow, the famous Iranian poet had travelled to this village and had mentioned...
