What is Astara (rayon)?

For the capital of Astara raion, see Astara, Azerbaijan. For the city in Iran, see Astara (Iran).

Astara

Map of Azerbaijan showing Astara rayon
Population:	89,600
Area (km².):	620
Capital:	Astara

Astara is a rayon in southeastern Azerbaijan.

Etymology

There are two main theories for the etymology of the city's name. One is that it is derived from the Persian or Talysh word آهسته رو (Aste-ro or Aheste-ro), meaning "the place where the travel gets slower" (given the marshlands that surrounded the region before). [1].The oldest theory is comes from Vedic songs and writings which explains Astara as a place where the rays of lights shine from behind to lit the pathways ahead.

Location

The town of Astara is a small picturesque Caspian port town, on the Iranian border, capital of Azerbaijan's southernmost rayon. If you are coming north form Lankaran, a giant samovar by the road welcomes you to the rayon.

The town is located near the Tavalesh mountains and surrounded by a sea of rice fields. Plenty of enjoyable sandy beaches are to be found around Astara, and the water is cleaner than on the Apsheron peninsula.

Economy

Astara is an important transit point for all kinds of goods, as the numerous lorries at the border well illustrate. The pipeline coming from Abadan also enters Azerbaijan in Astara.

People

The area is home to a large Talysh population, mostly of whom are Shi'a Muslim and speak the Talysh language. They live on both sides of the border along the western shore of the Caspian.

During the 18th century, Astara was the capital of the Talysh Khanate, until the local ruler Garakhan moved it to Lankaran.

Travelling

Here you can cross the border into Iran, well you cross the river Astara to the Iranian half of the town, also called Astara (the Baku to Tehran bus stops in Astara). Expect long delays at the border, however entering Iran is now a lot easier than a few years ago. The Iranian government is quite eager for the Euros brought in by the tourists, although they still prefer 'package tours' to independent travelers. (text from Azerb.com, used without permission)



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