Border Exchange, Local Networks and Spatial Changes of Human Settlements

It is true, that borders often operate as an obstacle to the free movement of people and goods, so they should be considered in the context of territorial development and national security considerations, related to socio-economic relations, on the one hand, and spheres of different formal and informal activities in rural and urban settlements, on the other. Moreover and in some cases, borders are simply ignored, especially by rural and urban residents of the border areas. The contradiction between living in one side and socio-cultural belonging to the other side of the border is the main issue. This issue results in most cases to resisted conflict between respect for the laws of the main country itself and belonging to "others". Border exchange is of the main issues in communication and livelihood between neighboring countries. Historically, in such countries as Iran, cross-border transactions in different forms have always been available; though in recent decade have gain new dimensions. In fact, the lack of infrastructures, vast unemployment, and lower income, in absence of productive capital led to significant interest of border people in these activities. Research on border exchange in Baneh District reveals that, border transactions, with its related flows, such as flows of people, capital, goods, information, and innovation, have led not only to physical transformation of settlements’ fabric, including changes in housing patterns and living spaces, but also resulted to more occupation opportunities and higher income levels and better standards of living, which led to changing socio-economic behavior of the people engaged.