Research on Routes of Shiraz to Isfahan

Abstract

The present Study endeavors to investigate the routes of Shiraz to Isfahan from the early Islamic periods to the advent of Safavid Empire. The main questions of this study are: what were the direction of these routes? And what made such routes functional and essential? The outcome of this research confirms that cites (Isfahan and Shiraz) were connected by 3 routes during early Islamic centuries from historical geography's approach. Such routes consists of western direction called Simirum, eastern direction named Estakhar and central direction called Main Run. Despite of expansion of eastern routes in middle period, such routes were extensively utilized by the advent of Safavid government. The reasons for expansion of such routes can be considered generally and specifically. In general, the factors including political centralization, security, economic policy, change of capital, etc. and specifically, reforms of local governments, the attempts of tribal and religious groups for obtaining the political concession can be regarded.

Keywords

• Shiraz
• Isfahan
• Western Route
• Eastern Route
• Central Route