The Role of Municipal (Baladieh) Organization in Urban Development during First Pahlavi Era

With the occupation of Esfahan by Afghans and the ensuing power struggle, the magnificent and flourishing cities of Safavid period were degenerated and destroyed. The Qajar dynasty also intentionally intensified this process. After the events of Constitutional revolution the necessity of reconstructing the cities and creating civil amenities (water, electricity etc.) were felt and it led to enactment and approval of “municipal law” in 108 articles in first national assembly but the above law was not implemented and was suspended after four years due to lack of support by king and the inadequacy of budget and people’s dissatisfaction. After coming to power of Pahlavi dynasty “city” as a modernist symbol came to lime light. The popular demand for civil amenities led to creation of several institutions with the purpose of modernization of cities. A place where only 28 percent of Iranian populations were living attracted the attention of many people. The Baladieh (municipal) organization was revived with vast powers. This organization achieved arduous tasks in cultural, sanitary, social, economic and development sphere. The present article by making use of governmental, institutional documents, newspapers, old publications and the memory of statesmen have examined the functions of Baladieh (municipal) organization.