A Middle Range Theory View on the Location of Campsites in Western Iran: A Case Study of the Bakhtiari Region

Southern Zagros mountainous region which is the country (Yelagh as local name) for Bakhtiari and a few of Qashqayi tribes, is resided during spring and summer due to suitable geographical and climate conditions such as sufficient water supplies, acceptable pastures and timing for the growth of plants. The mentioned tribes spend their winter quarters during fall and winter in some regions in the Khuzestan and the Fars provinces. In the country regions, the immigrants choose specific places to reside and camp depending on the climate conditions, the level of security for the people and the herd, protection from wind and raining, access to water supplies, and growth of plants in the pastures. This study aims to identify the ancient ways of choosing the locations for camping in the country regions and show where campsites can be easily located. This will be achieved through the Middle Range Theory (MRT) by studying and evaluating modern pastoral groups.