Note: Rasht dates back to the Sasanian dynasty (224-642 CE). Until the rule of the Safavid King, 'Abbas I (1587-1629) Rasht was not united with the rest of the country. In 1722, Peter the Great conquered the city through 1734. In the early 20th century Russians again conquered this city. It was badly damaged under occupation during World War I and World War II. The city produces and sells rice, tea, peanuts and silk. Some other manufactured goods are soap, glass, and razor blades.