The Fortifications Networks of Isfahan and their Influence on the Longevity of the Urban Settlements at the Rostaq of Jay

Numerous castles and fortifications overlooking the plain dot the surrounding heights of Isfahan. This fortification network provided protection and particularly had control over the administrative center of Isfahan kura during the Islamic era up to the Safavid period. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation and evaluation of the fortification network is significant not only for a better understanding of the Isfahan landscape, but also for gaining a clearer perception of the formation of the cities in the main region of Isfahan called "rostaq-e Jay". To this end, the present article is based on three different sources: the archaeological data resulted from the systemic survey of the eighteen forts and fortifications in the Isfahan heights; the satellite imagery; and the written sources. The analyses of the data show an extensive network of fortifications that in relationships with others provided control over the roads and urban and rural settlements in the plain. Thus the location of the forts and the placement of the main urban centers, i.e. Jay and Yahudiya, were interrelated and affected the overall structure of the landscape.