Tabaristan
Tabaristan or Tabarestan (Persian: طبرستان, romanized: Ṭabarestān, or Mazanderani: تبرستون, romanized: Tabarestun, ultimately from Middle Persian: 
, Tapur(i)stān), is a mountainous region located on the Caspian coast of northern Iran. It corresponded to the present-day province of Mazandaran, which became the predominant name of the area from the 11th-century onwards.
Tabaristan | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
| Motto: From Mountains to Sea, We Endure. | |
| Anthem: Caspian Dreams | |
| Capital | Saari |
| Largest city | Babol |
| Official languages | Farsi |
| Recognised national languages | Farsi |
| Religion | Twelver Shi'ism |
| Demonym(s) | Tabari |
| Government | Unitary parliamentary republic |
| Population | |
• 2020 census | 15,984,105 |
| Currency | Rial (TR) |
| Date format | mm/dd/yyyy |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +111 |
| Internet TLD | .tb |
After gaining independence, Tabaristan emerged as the cultural capital of its own unique heritage, deeply rooted in the traditions of the region. The nation became a vibrant center for the preservation and celebration of Tabaristani culture, alongside the rich influences of ancient Persian and Islamic innovations. This blend of historical legacies has fostered a dynamic society that honors its past while embracing modernity.
History
Tabaristan was named after the Tapurians, who had been deported there from Parthia by the Parthian king Phraates I (r. 176–171 BC). At the advent of the Sasanians, the region, along with Gilan and Daylam, was part of the Padishkhwargar kingdom of king Gushnasp, who is mentioned in the Letter of Tansar. He submitted to the first Sasanian King of Kings (shahanshah) Ardashir I (r. 224–242 AD) after being guaranteed to keep his kingdom. His line would continue ruling Padishkhwargar until the second reign of Kavad I (r. 488–496, 498–531), who removed the dynasty from power and appointed his son Kawus in its stead. Under the Sasanians, Tabaristan enjoyed considerable autonomy. They most likely left most of the affairs to the locals. The mint signature of "AM" is generally presumed to be an abbreviation for the Amul, the main city of the region. The first known Sasanian monarch to have minted coins with the signature was Bahram V (r. 420–438), whilst the last was Boran (r. 630–630, 631–632).