Analysis of the Causes of Urban Sprawl in Iran

AbstractIn the era of rapid urbanization, urban sprawl is undeniably one of the most significant challenges facing cities, particularly in developing countries. Iranian cities are no exception to this trend. Effective planning to manage urban sprawl and achieve sustainable urban land management requires a thorough understanding of the forces and causes that contribute to scattered urban development. This research aimed to investigate both the direct and indirect causes of urban sprawl in Iranian cities. The study employed a qualitative and descriptive-analytical approach, utilizing document-based data collection methods. Approximately 80 domestic articles on urban sprawl were gathered, analyzed, and coded using MAXQDA2020 software through a systematic process. The reasons for urban sprawl identified in the literature were categorized into 16 general themes. The findings indicated that the key factors contributing to urban sprawl in Iranian cities included weaknesses, ambiguities, and inefficiencies in urban laws and regulations; inadequate planning, monitoring, and control over urban growth; development of transportation infrastructure; macro-level urban policies; migration to urban areas; land speculation; planned settlements; natural population growth; impacts of urban planning approvals; and establishment of light and heavy industries on city peripheries. These factors were interconnected and arose from various contextual influences. Keywords: Urban Sprawl, Iranian Cities, Content Analysis, MAXQDA Software. IntroductionUrban sprawl has been a topic of interest for social science researchers since the mid-20th century (Rubiera-Morollón et al., 2020). Experts suggest that urban sprawl in the United States and Western Europe can be understood through 3 historical stages: 1) urban sprawl under the Keynesian-Fordist model of urbanization (1945-1975), 2) the period of urban reconstruction and intensive city redevelopment (1975-1985), and 3) the emergence of a neoliberal and globalized urban model (from 1985 onward) (Bueno-Suárez et al., 2020, pp. 5-9). Since the 1960s, the concept of urban dispersion has gained prominence in urban studies historically associated with American cities (Meshkini et al., 2013, p. 118). However, this spatial evolution is not confined to the United States; it has now affected many cities worldwide. In recent decades, Iranian cities have experienced significant urban sprawl exacerbated by specific macroeconomic, social, political, and environmental factors, which have, in turn, impacted the social fabric and health of residents (Hosseini & Hosseini, 2014, p. 33). Understanding urban sprawl requires examining its causes, contexts, and consequences. It is challenging to apply a one-size-fits-all framework to cities globally. To create effective strategies for mitigating this issue, it is essential to investigate the similarities and differences in urban sprawl patterns across various cities (Pourahmad et al., 2019, p. 67). The first step in addressing urban sprawl is to control and prevent its escalation. Effective management cannot occur without a clear understanding of the conditions, contexts, processes, and causes that contribute to sprawl. Identifying and managing the physical growth of cities necessitates a comprehensive approach at both urban and regional levels (Ziyari et al., 2016, p. 497). Therefore, the aim of this research was to identify the factors and indicators contributing to urban sprawl in Iranian cities. Materials & MethodsThis research employed a qualitative approach. The data collection method utilized was document-based analysis. Data were gathered through content analysis and processed using MAXQDA 2020 software. To achieve the research objectives, approximately 80 relevant articles on urban sprawl were collected with no time limit imposed on the selection. In the first step, about 40 articles specifically addressing the causes of urban sprawl were identified and extracted using MAXQDA. In the second step, these selected articles were coded. Each article was read in its entirety and instances cited as reasons for sprawl were designated as codes and organized into specific subject categories. In the third step, all the codes generated from the previous stage were compiled and transferred to Word software for further analysis. Finally, in the fourth step, the selected codes underwent a screening process to eliminate duplicates and condense the information, resulting in a final summary table. Research FindingsThe research identified 16 categories of causes contributing to urban sprawl in Iranian cities, highlighting the complexity and interrelationship of these factors. The primary findings were summarized as follows: Urban Management and Planning: A significant cause of sprawl was the weakness and inefficiency of urban laws and regulations, particularly in construction and growth control. This category received the highest frequency of mentions (12 occurrences). Infrastructure and Urban Elements: The development of transportation networks and urban infrastructure was frequently cited (10 occurrences), emphasizing the role of communication routes in facilitating sprawl. Economic Factors: The rise in urban land prices and land speculation was identified as a key economic driver of sprawl (14 occurrences), affecting land availability and accessibility. Migration: The ongoing trend of migration to urban areas was noted as a major contributing factor (19 occurrences) driven by job opportunities and urban development. Socio-Cultural Changes: Researchers highlighted shifts in lifestyle among Iranian families, which had implications for urban expansion. Natural Factors: Environmental aspects, such as geography and climate, were recognized as influences on urban growth patterns. Political Factors: The expansion of government structures and policies impacting land use were also noted with specific references to industrial and military developments on urban peripheries. Inner-City Problems: Issues, such as land hoarding and deterioration of central urban areas, were mentioned, indicating challenges within existing urban fabrics. Marginalization and Informal Settlements: The growth of informal settlements around cities (5 occurrences) was emphasized, reflecting socio-economic disparities. Peri-Urban Integration: Factors leading to the integration of surrounding villages into cities were discussed, particularly the lack of physical barriers and proximity to transport routes. Demographic Factors: Natural population growth (15 occurrences) was another critical element affecting urban sprawl.The research revealed that the city of Tehran was the most studied city regarding urban sprawl followed by Sari, Ahvaz, and Mashhad. Each city displayed unique characteristics and factors contributing to its sprawl, demonstrating that while certain causes were widespread, local contexts significantly shaped urban development patterns.In conclusion, the findings suggested that urban sprawl in Iranian cities resulted from a confluence of factors, many of which were interrelated and influenced by government policies. Effective management and planning must address these multifaceted causes to create sustainable urban environments. Discussion of Results & ConclusionThe causes of urban sprawl in Iran were categorized into 15 distinct dimensions: city form, urban management and planning, infrastructure and urban elements/transportation, land and housing management, planning, and policy, migration and land preparation, socio-cultural factors, natural factors, economic factors, urban plans, political factors, inner-city problems, marginalization and informal settlement issues, urban peripheral problems, demographic factors, and other factors.Within the dimension of city form, spatial-functional discontinuity was noted as a contributing factor (3 occurrences in the sources). In terms of urban management and planning, the weaknesses, deficiencies, ambiguities, and inefficiencies of urban laws and regulations—particularly concerning construction and urban growth control—were highlighted (12 occurrences). Regarding infrastructure and urban elements, significant emphasis was placed on the development of transportation technology and communication networks, as well as the enhancement of urban infrastructure and information technology (10 occurrences). Current government urban policies, particularly those related to land and housing—such as the development of new cities, various urban plans, land transfer, preparation, zoning, and policies addressing informal settlements—were identified as key factors (16 occurrences). The trend of migration to urban areas emerging as a prevalent cause of sprawl was noted 19 times in the sources. Additionally, researchers emphasized changes in the lifestyle of Iranian families as a socio-cultural factor influencing urban expansion. Natural factors, including climate, landform, water resources, soil conditions, and river systems, also played a critical role in the spread of cities in Iran. Furthermore, the rising prices of urban land, speculation, and fluctuations in the real estate market were identified as significant economic drivers of urban sprawl (14 occurrences). In conclusion, the multifaceted nature of urban sprawl in Iran was influenced by a complex interplay of factors across various dimensions. Understanding these causes was essential for developing effective strategies to manage and mitigate urban sprawl in Iranian cities. Regarding urban planning, the existing policies and development plans, including comprehensive plans, specific projects, land preparation, and regional and local strategies, had been emphasized by Iranian researchers as significant indicators of urban sprawl (1 occurrence in the sources). A notable political factor contributing to urban expansion was the growth of government structures and organizations, which was mentioned 7 times in the source