ZAHEDAN

city, southeastern Iran, at an elevation of 4,435 feet (1,352 m). The population comprises Shi'ite Muslim Persians and Sunnite Muslim Baluchs. It is one of the more economically backward cities in Iran; local industry produces bricks, milled rice, livestock feed, processed foods, mats and baskets, embroidered articles, and ceramics. Roads link it with Zabol, Iranshahr, Chah Bahar, and Sararan. It is the terminus of the Trans-Iranian Railway near the Pakistani border and has an airfield. There is a ruined citadel, in the centre of the city, and the Friday Mosque (Masjid-e Jom'eh). Pop. (1985 est.) 220,500.