An Analysis of the Pattern of Spatial Interactions in the Border Areas of Kurdistan Province

The existence of spatial interactions of border areas in all countries has made these areas sensitive centers. The border areas of Kurdistan Province have been able to establish extensive connections with the Iraqi border areas in the shadow of comparative and competitive advantages. In this regard, the study of interaction between settlements, spatial pattern of interactions and its development effects at the level of these areas can provide the necessary framework for sustainable spatial development planning. The present study seeks to identify and analyze the pattern governing spatial interactions in the border areas of Kurdistan province. This research is descriptive-analytical based on method, and fundamental based on purpose. Its statistical population consists of households in 207 villages and 8 border towns. Determination of sample size for rural settlements was obtained using Cochran's formula of 135 villages. For some reason such as (inaccessibility of some villages, security issues and restrictions in border areas the final sample size was confined to 46 villages. Samples were selected using two stratified and quota random methods.  In relation to urban areas, in this study, all cities in the border areas of Kurdistan province were studied by full counting method. The results indicated that there is an inequality in distribution of facilities and services.  This situation indicates the lack of network pattern formation and mutual flows in the area. The results showed that the flow of goods and capital in a trans-regional form and in relation to the national cross-border points of the west of the country such as (Sulaimaniyah and Erbil) and capital points (Tehran), have the greatest effects on the formation of spatial pattern of border interactions in the study area. It can be compared to a rhombus pattern (center-periphery-center). Also, service and information flows within the region have had the greatest impact on the formation of the polar or center-peripheral pattern in the study area.