The Influence of the Water Resources Management on Changing the Administrative Geography of Khorasgan of Isfahan from Safavid Epoch to the Present Time

In this study, we aim to examine the changes in the administrative geography of Khorasgan, a region in Isfahan City, throughout different historical periods, namely the Safavid-Zand, Qajar, and Pahlavi eras. Specifically, we focus on the transition of Khorasgan from Qaryeh to Qaryeh-Qasaba and eventually to Qasaba-city, and finally as the 15th district of Isfahan City from 2013 onwards. One of the main concerns of this study is to evaluate the impact of water resources management on these changes, particularly in relation to the neighbouring Qaryehs. To achieve this objective, we rely on various sources, including written documents, local historical accounts, remnants of water resources management, and aerial photographs. Our investigation reveals that in the Safavid era, Khorasgan was a Qaryeh that received a certain share of Zayanderud water for agriculture, as mentioned in a scroll attributed to Sheikh Baha’i. Moreover, the addition of Cheshmeh (Spring) Bāgher Khān, another water source to the Khorasgan aqueduct, during the Zand period contributed to the increased production of agricultural products, which led to economic growth and expansion of the rural fabric of Khorasgan. This expansion continued throughout the Qajar period, leading to the transformation of Khorasgan from Qaryeh to Qasaba. Furthermore, the existence of Khāns who had control over water and agricultural resources played a crucial role in the expansion of Khorasgan and neighbouring Qaryehs. By the 1960s, the development in this region necessitated the establishment of a municipal organization, leading to the formation of Khorasgan City, which encompassed neighbouring Qaryehs. As a result, in 1964, Khorasgan became a municipality and a city, and the neighbouring Qaryehs became the city’s neighbourhoods. In summary, our study sheds light on the changes in the administrative geography of Khorasgan and the crucial role of water resources management in this region throughout different historical periods. Our findings highlight the importance of examining the interaction between natural resources and human activities to better understand the historical developments of a region.m