Behshahr

Behshahr (Persian: بهشهر‎‎; formerly Ashraf and Ashraf ol Belād) is a city in and the capital of Behshahr County, Mazandaran Province, Iran. Located on the cost of the Caspian Sea, at the foot of the Alborz, it is approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Sari. At the 2006 census, its population was 83,537, in 22,034 families.

Description

The name Behshahr literally means The Best city. It includes many historical sites such as Abbas Abad – the home of Shah Abbas I of Persia, Cheshmeh Emarat Palace, Baghe Shah Gardens and the Chit Sazi weaving factor. Abbas Abbad which is famous for its greenery and beauty and also its historic significance is a major tourism attraction. There is a road which leads up to a mountain through the jungle. In the touristic Abbas Abbad, the jungle surrounds a lake with a semi-destroyed castle in the middle. The castle once belonged to the Shah Abbas.

Behshahr is home to many famous Iranian figures ranging from actors to political figures. One of the more famous political figures from Behshahr is Ahmad Tavakkoli who once was a presidential candidate. Every year, famous members of the Iranian entertainment industry gather in Behshahr in a ceremony rewarding entertainers. More recently, such members included Parviz Parastui (Parastooei) who is most known for his roles in "Marmoulak" [The Lizard] and "Bid e Majnoon".