The Dynamic the Spatial Structure of Urban System in Kerman Province (1335-90)

This study analyzes the spatial structure of urban system in order to make balance in urban system of Kerman province. The study is descriptive-analytical and data were gathered through documentary-library method. Distribution point index, nearest neighborhood index, Moran index and Christaller model were used for analyzing data. The results indicate that due to the distribution point index, Kerman province has had fluctuation in its urban system during the years 1335 to 1390, in a way that the most and the least amount of concentration occurred in 1335 and 1345. Based on the nearest neighborhood index which is close to one in all periods, cities in Kerman Province are scattered randomly. Moreover, the scattering pattern of province's cities from 1355 up to now has become more concentrated. Studying the Moran index in urban system of Kerman province shows the tendency for concentration in spatial structure. The most significant factors causing this kind of spatial structure in Kerman province include the development of capitalistic relations and destruction of traditional production methods in villages during the years between 1341 and 1357, inappropriate banking system, taking the capital out of the country, economic production decrease, lack of international relations due to sanctions, imposed war, political turmoil in Afghanistan, unfair distribution of wealth among cities, the transfer of frozen fund to service sector of big cities, sharp differences of life level between cities and villages, and villagers migration to cities. Ongoing decentralization policy, strengthening Sirjan, Rafsanjan, Bam and Jiroft cities, strengthening the small cities, creating new cities in central and southern parts of the province, increasing the interaction among cities, and considering the cities spatial planning can help control the concentrated pattern of Kerman Province.