Demographic Changes in Shiraz during the Zandid period

With the establishment of Zandid dynasty, the social conditions in Shiraz entered a new era. The social changes made caused some changes in the population of Shiraz. The present study seeks to investigate the growth of population in the city by studying social and ethnic groups living in Shiraz. It discusses the case based on historical research method and by using library resources. Findings of the research show that, Shiraz was chosen as the capital in the Zand era, as it was strongly influenced by the Zand rulers’ political, military and commercial goals and objectives. The political situation in the city turned it into a place for government officials to stay, and Shiraz hosted political prisoners and military personnel and their families. Meanwhile Armenian and Jewish merchants affected Zand Khan’s business plans and they entered the capital and were settled there. Consequently Shiraz hosted various religious, and ethnic groups and the population raised up.