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Behshahr (بهشهر in Persian), also known as Behshar (older name: Ashraf ol Belād) is a city close to the capital of the province of Mazandaran in Iran. It had an estimated population of 93,282 in 2005.^[1]

It is approximately a forty-five minute drive from Sari by car. The name Behshahr literally means Heaven city. Behshahr was also previously known as 'Ashraf'. It includes many historical sites such as Abbas Abad - the home of the Abbas the Great and the Chit Sazi Factory.

The city of Behshahr is an industrial city which produces "Tokhme", Vegetable oil, and a dish-soap known as "Rika". Rika is the local term for son. Behshahr is home to Behshahr Industrial Company which is the biggest producer of vegetable oil in Iran since 1951.^[2]

Behshahr is home to many famous Iranian figures ranging from actors to political figures. One of the more famous political figures from Behshar is Ahmad Tavakkoli who once was a presidential candidate.

Every year, famous members of the Iranian entertainment industry gather in Behshar in a ceremony rewarding entertainers. More recently, such members included Parviz Parastui (Parastooei) who is most known for his roles in "Marmoulak" [The Lizard] and "Bid e Majnoon".

Recently, after scavaging near the suburbs of Behshar, an ancient town was discovered which included nearly a thousand corpses of children to middle-aged men. The corpses had heights above the modern typical heights. In the area, gold and jars were found.

A major tourism resort is Abbas Abbad which is famous for its greenery and beauty and also its historic significance. There is a road which leads up to a mountain through the jungle. In the touristic Abbas Abbad, the jungle surrounds a lake with a semi-destroyed castle in the middle. The castle once belonged to the King Abbas.

• Necropolis

• Behshahr entry in the Encyclopædia Iranica

Coordinates: 36°42′N, 53°33′E