The Formation of Urban Networks in Gilan Province (An example of emerging urban system in Iran)

Subject Areas : Urban Management Studies

شهرام  امیرانتخابی ¹ (ندارد)

Received: 2014-10-31 Accepted : 2014-10-31 Published : 2009-09-23

Keywords: Urban network of Gilan, ecosystem-climatic characteris, spatial distribution of cities, rank-size model, the urban hierarchy,

Abstract :

Natural and ecological conditions of Gilan has caused Iran to experience changes in economic and social developments; for, Gilan is sheltered by a fence of mountainous and its rainforests have not been damaged by central governments. Also, Gilan has always been rich in water resources and soil which has given rural life a high value and has managed rural markets and small local cities. Thus, the lack of political and economic integration in Gilan has caused delay in the establishment of large cities and the development of urban network to an extent that since the middle of the Safavi reign, the major cities of the province were formed after the completion and its integration to the central government. Since the start of the Qajar era and the presence and domination of the Russian Empire in the north of Iran, the urban system of Gilan was evolved through being its dependence on their economic relations. Since the beginning of the Pahlavi era which was simultaneous with the rise of city living phase in Iran, a new network of middle and small cities in different provinces of Gilan occurred as they cut off relations with Russia and strengthened its economy with Iran. However, until recently, rural population and rural life-style has been considered top social and economic life of Gilan. In fact, the favorable natural conditions of Gilan such as water resources and fertile soil, has developed a network of rural residential based on agriculture activities in Gilan plains