The Role of Natural Factors in Urban Expansion and Deflation of Qazvin the Capital of Safavids

Study of environmental factors such as geographical and strategic situation, soil of the region, climate, water sources, and natural disaster such as earthquake, flood and outbreak of disease have had major influence in expansion and deflation of Qazvin as one of the Safavid's capitals which needed serious study. Therefore, the aim of this article is to study and analyze the role of these factors in various aspects. Qazvin is amongst cities which became important after being chosen as the Safavid's capital. Meanwhile, splendid period of improvement and urban expansion began during Shah Tahmasb. But after half century despite attempts made by Safavid's officials for urban development and prosperity, Qazvin could not change a lot. These reasons were environmental factors and natural disasters. Therefore, the capital moved into Isfahan during the reign of Shah Abbas I.