Shiraz
Shiraz (شیراز, Shīrāz) is a city in the southwestern part of Iran. The state capital of the province of Vals. The population is 1,050,000 (1996). Located in the Zagros mountain range, 1486 meters above sea level. From 1750 to 1794, it was the capital city of Zand Dynasty Persia. The name of the town was written as Tiraziš in Elam language in the old days. It is thought that it was called Tiratis (tiračis) or Chirachis (iliris). Its name entered into ancient Persian as Sirazi (širājiš), passed through a sound change, became a modern Persian Shiraz. Main industries are cement production, production of sugar, fertilizer, textile products, wood products, metal processing etc. Shiraz is also a major base for Iran's electric industry and refining oil. It is also famous for cultivating carpets and flowers. ...