Analysis of Space and State Concepts in State and Urbanization Theory of Iran

The aim of this research is to analyse the explanatory strong of the State and Urbanization Theory of Iran in terms of space and state concepts. Research method is analytical one andfor this, papers and dissertations written aroundthis issue during 1994-2013 were examined. Analyzing the State and Urbanization Theory of Iran shows the theory tended to homogenize different places because of state sovereignty over space. This preposition impacts the analysis of urbanization process in different ways: 1) Thenature andpathofurban developmentindifferent cities with different sizes are incorrectly considered as beingidentical; 2) State’s nature is defined by “urban” and the nature of city is defined by “State”; consequently, the local, rural, regional and global aspects of state are neglected; 3) The influences of global forces in the development of big cities are considerably overlooked; 4) Natural and human hinterlands of cities do not have any place in this theory; 5) While, participation of private sector is necessary for improvement of the economic status of cities, state has same important role not only in the establishment but also in the development of cities in this theory; and 6) Finally, the role of private sector will be highlighted by shifting the scale of analysis (from national to provincial), which is not considered in the theory and should be examined in the coming studies around the state's role in urbanization process in Iran.