Structural Analysis of Social Settlement Models within the Ancient Sites of Sarbaz County Based on Geographic Information System (GIS)

During archaeological fieldwork conducted in Sarbaz County, numerous sites have been identified. However,much of the data collected from these sites remains unexamined, and no comprehensive interdisciplinary studieshave been undertaken to date. Consequently, the primary research question guiding this study is: What influencedoes the geographical environment have on the formation and variation of settlement patterns in the ancientsettlements of Sarbaz County? Accordingly, the key objectives of this research are twofold: (1) to assess theimpact of environmental factors on human activity and settlement formation in the region, and (2) to examine therelationships between these factors and the spatial distribution of settlements. To address these objectives, the studyfirst examines the geographical environment of Sarbaz County. Next, the distribution of settlements is analysedusing Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Finally, by applying branch classification, ecology, and economytheories, the ancient settlements are categorised based on their chronological period, elevation, size, and type. Thisframework allows for an analysis of how the geographical environment influences the spatial distribution patternsof these settlements. The findings of this study reveal distinct patterns in settlement distribution. The northernregions of Sarbaz County are predominantly characterised by single-period sites, featuring temporary and seasonalsettlements located in the highland areas, which reflect the semi-mountainous terrain. In contrast, the southernregions, particularly the Jakigur area and its surroundings, exhibit a relatively flat topography. In these areas,evidence of sustained agricultural land use is apparent, with continuous activity traced back to the pre-Islamicperiod.