KUM  , a small

province in Persia, between Teheran on the N. and Kashan on the S . It is divided into seven buluk (districts): (t) Humeh, with town; (2) Kumrud; (3) Vazkerud; (4) KinarRud Khaneh; (5) Kuhistan; (6) Jasb; (7) Ardahal; has a population of 45,000 to 50,000, and pays a yearly revenue of about £8000 . The province produces much grain and a fine quality of cotton with a very long staple . Kum, the capital, in 340 39' N. and 50° 55' E., on the Anarbar river, which rises near Khunsar, has an elevation of 3100 ft . It owes much of its importance to the fact that it contains the tomb of Imam Reza's sister Fatmeh, who died there A.D . 816, and large numbers of pilgrims visit the city during six or seven months of the year . The fixed population is between 25,000 and 30,000 . A carriage road 92 M. in length, constructed in 2890-1893, connects the city with Teheran . It has post and telegraph offices . See Eastern Persian Irak, R . G . S. suppl .

(

London, 1896) .