Hiostorical development of the central Iranian cities during the Islamic period

Abstract

The thesis examines the pattern of change and the historical development of the Central Iranian cities, particularly during the Islamic period. In a brief discussion the geographical context in which Iranian cities can be identified is introduced. The thesis tries to find an adequate periodization as regards the urban development in Iran. Urban morphology of each period is examined in relation to the socio-economic conditions of the period. An attempt is made to identify the urban structure of each period and compare it with other periods in order to follow the patterns of change. In this investigation social and geographical forces have proved to be the most essential factors in the process of change. At the end some of the old central Iranian cities are examined as existing examples.