Reverse Migration and Village Development in Iran from Late Safavid to Mid-Qajar

At the end of the Safavid dynasty from the late 17th century into the early 18th century, a “reverse migration” process from cities to villages began in Iran and the weakening of the Safavid dynasty saw the start of a decline in city populations. This situation continued through the Afshar and Zand periods and into mid-Qajar era in the 19th century. This article uses archaeological, architectural and historical data to identify and analyze the political, social and economic factors involved: wars and insecurity in cities; an increase in the power of rural landlords and landowners; the policies of rulers; and natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Most former urbanites turned to agricultural activities, while landlords developed fortifications that in many cases became “landlord villages”.