THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE URBAN SYSTEM IN IRAN. THE PERIOD: 1900 - 1976

The study analyzes the process of urbanization in Iran during the period 1900-1976. More specifically, it focuses on the spatial implications of sectoral changes of employment in the country during 1956-1976. The empirical part of the study uses a recent formulation of the shift-share analysis technique developed by Edgar Dunn with detailed census data for 1956, 1966, and 1976. The broad pattern revealed in the study is one of increasing and intensive concentration of economic activities in Tehran and a few other cities--most of them on the fringe of the Tehran metropolitan area. While there were signs of some provincial growth in the two decades of the detailed case study, it is clear that Tehran grew faster than the rest of the urban system in population, total employment, and employment in the leading sectors. Manufacturing grew rapidly in Iran during the period 1956-1976, but it was highly capital intensive, particularly during the decade 1966-1976, and generated only modest employment gains. Most urban growth was fueled by large increases of employment in the low-wage service and construction sectors of the economy. The study concludes with a discussion of the trend of changes in the national economy and the urban system, and the implications for the formulation of spatial and sectoral policies.