The Status of Mahabad in the Urban Network of West Azerbayjan

The present study attempts to specify status of Mahabad in urban network of West Azerbaijan Province and urban hierarchy in 1385 has been studied. Regarding the political, economic and cultural aspects, Urmia the center of the Province attracts more immigrants and this fact has made urban hierarchy not to follow the rank-size role. In 1385, the population of Urmia (the most populated city) was 3.47 times more than Bookan and 4.38 times more than Mahabad (the fourth populated city). Studying the economic situation of Mahabad region has been attempted. The sphere of influence of Mahabad at undulation in 1335 had 4 ranks. The urban hierarchy in urban network of West-Azerbaijan has been half balanced. Providing equal opportunities for every city of the Province and also proposing better services could help the optimal spatial hierarchy in this Province.