Fars

Fars, or FARSISTAN (anciently Persis), a province of Persia, bordering on the Persian Gulf, rises from the steep coast in a succession of broad terraces. The coast zone or 'hot country,' the productiveness of which is greatly dependent upon the rainfall, is backed by the 'land of the passes,' behind which comes the 'cold country;' the interior belongs to the Iranian plateau. The mountain chains, lying parallel to the coast, embrace numerous fertile valleys, rich in pasturage and vines and fruit-trees. Amongst the mountains are several lakes, the largest Lake Bakhtegan (q.v.). The rivers are small. The climate varies with the different districts. The principal products of the province are fruits, dates, tobacco, cotton, silk, and excellent wine. Area, about 53,500 sq. m. The population, the exact number of which is not known, is very sparse. The capital of Fars is Shiraz; the port, Bushire, on the Persian Gulf.