The planning and functioning of new towns in Iran

This paper examines the planning and functioning of the new towns constructed in Iran. Their planning has been based on political and military objectives, particularly in providing the housing facilities and shelter for workers in the oil industry during the pre-revolution period (prior to 1979). Post-1979, they were constructed with the aim of decentralizing the large cities, attracting surplus populations of large cities and offering varied employment opportunities and providing low-cost affordable housing and also relocating some industrial establishments from large cities. In this respect, a comprehensive and detailed plan has been worked out within the systematic process of site allocation along with surveys of land preparation. However, the manner of proceeding with these objectives and the process of settlement in new towns has not been performed according to the time scheduled and they cannot be considered as real cities from a functional point of view.