Analysis of spatial inequalities in Tabriz Metropolis

In today’s world, spatial duality, growth of poverty-stricken urban districts and urbanization of poverty are considered as key destabilizers of sustainable urban development. And spatial justice is of special importance among planners and geographers. As a result, recognition and discernment of such urban districts is a critical step for de-escalating poverty and inequality. The research methodology of the present study is descriptive-analytical. In the present study, spatial inequalities of districts of Tabriz metropolis is analyzed through utilization of analysis hierarchy process (AHP) with three main criteria of economy, urban physicality and population, which include 11 sub-criteria. According to the level of urban development, Tabriz metropolis is divided into five zones which are developed, relatively developed, medium developed, less developed and undeveloped. The findings of the study indicate the fact that there is a steep physical and class gap between undeveloped, less developed and other zones of the metropolis. Furthermore, quality and quantity of social, economic and physical criteria of undeveloped and less developed zones are lower than other zones. We believe that continuance of the present circumstances will exacerbate inequality and urban poverty, and endanger sustainable urban development. Therefore, it is necessary for urban management to take new steps in order to more desirable and better understand this phenomenon and to apply new and efficient solutions to reduce the effects and various aspects of poverty in the city and urban slums.