Golestān Province

Golestān (Persian: گلستان) is one of the 30 provinces of Iran. It is in the north-east of the country, south of the Caspian Sea. Its capital is Gorgan.
It was split off from the province of Mazandaran in 1997. Present-day Gorgan was called Esteraba or Astarabad until 1937.
It has a population of 1.7 million (2005) and an area of 20,380 km². The major townships of the province are: Bandar Torkaman, Bandar Gaz, Ali Abad, Kord Kooy, Gorgan, Gonbad Kavoos, Fenderesk and Minoo Dasht.

Climate and geography

Golestan enjoys mild weather and a temperate climate most of the year. Geographically, it is divided into two sections, the plains and the mountains of the Alborz range. In the eastern Alborz section, the direction of mountains faces northeast and gradually decreases in height. The highest point of the province is Shavar, at 3,945m. in elevation.

History

Human settlements in this area date back to 10 000 BCE. Evidence of the ancient city of Jorjan can still be seen near the current city of Gorgan. This was an important city of Persia, located on the Silk Road.
The Turkmen minority reside in the north of the province, particularly in the cities of Gonbad and Bandar Turkaman. Other minority communities such as Baluchs, Turks, Afghans, and Armenians also reside in this area, and have preserved their traditions and rituals.

Culture

The Buwayhid and Ziyarid dynasties of Persia were from this region. They were known for the revival of pre-Islamic Persian culture. For example, Buwayhid leaders entitled themselves as Shâhanshâh (شاهنشاه), literally king of kings, a term used by Sassanid rulers.
The world's tallest brick tower stands in this province. It is the famous Gonbad-e Qabus, built by a famous Amir of this region.