The Policy of Iranian Dynasties toward Old Sarakhs (916-1300/1510-1883)

Sharakhs- situated in the border of Iran and Turkmenistan- is one of the oldest cities in Iran that its strategic position made it a significant place in pre-Islamic era. Since Arab conquest until Ṣafavids era Sarahks maintained its prosperity and significance and particularly in tenth century due to its nearness to the cites of Herat and Merv/ Marv, which were periodically the capital of Khorasan, as well as its safety from the invasion of the Mongols. But later, according to the sources, Sarakhs gradually declined and eventually it was completely destroyed in the 13th century. This research focused on the influential Iranian dynasties that prevent or accelerate the destruction of the city. The research shows that the competition between Uzbeks and Safavid initiated the decline of Sarakhs. The Safavids, by empowering a local government, retained it until the end of their reign. Nader Shah's policy was ineffective as well as Qajars were unsuccessful.Sarakhs was changed as the settlement of the Turkmen raiders and a Persian slave market and so that Qajars had to ruin it.