Dārāb

Dārāb, Iran

Dārāb, town, southwestern Iran, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet (1,200 metres) in a well-watered basin just south of some high ranges. The winter climate is mild, and fruits, cereals, cotton, and tobacco are grown, though the lower lands are used for winter pastures by the Bahārlū tribe. Nearby salt mines have long been important.

Modern Dārāb lies just northeast of the ruined ancient city of Dārābjird. Though reputedly Achaemenid in origin, the main ruins of the town are Sasanian. The layout of the Sasanian town was circular, 1 mile (1.6 km) in diameter, with a citadel, or fire temple, crowning a rock in the centre, and four gates. Pop. (2011) 61,672; (2016) 70,232.