Factors Affecting the Spatial Organization of Rural Systems (Case Study: The Central System of Tonekabon)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD in Geography and Rural Planning, Housing Foundation of the Islamic Revolution, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Prof. of Geography and Rural Planning, Department of Human Geography, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The spatial organization of settlements is a dynamic, dialectical, and multi-layered concept. Within the framework of the relational space paradigm and network-based approach, it is conceptualized not as a static structure but as a platform for multi-level human, economic, social, and ecological interactions. A case study of the central settlement system of Tonekabon County shows that the region is transitioning from a centralized, polar structure centered on the city of Tonekabon toward a decentralized, polycentric pattern.
Drawing on the qualitative paradigm and grounded theory method, this study employs semi-structured interviews with 17 participants and a three-stage coding process (open, axial, and selective) using Atlas.ti software to identify and explain the forces influencing this transformation. The findings indicate that the transition from a hierarchical to a network-based structure follows a four-stage causal chain: (1) geographical advantage and spatial proximity as contextual conditions; (2) development and equipping of transportation and information technology networks as causal conditions; (3) the flow of capital and population from metropolises in the form of tourism and second homes, coupled with real estate capitalism, as intervening conditions; and (4) the reduction of centralization, leading to the emergence of intermediate settlements (Valiabad, Soleymanabad, Ammariyeh, Lazarbon) as active nodes and the formation of a "distributed centrality" pattern. This transformation is constituted through the cyclical and concurrent interplay of three mechanisms: agglomeration and dispersion, conflict and equilibrium, and synergy and coexistence. However, the long-term persistence of this structure cannot be achieved without a fundamental redefinition of the spatial planning system—a redefinition whereby the hierarchical model is abandoned in favor of a network-based model, and policies are oriented according to actual functional regions rather than rigid administrative divisions.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

Afaghpour, A. (2011). Analysis of spatial structure and organization in Iran's urban system using flow analysis (Master's thesis). Tehran: Tarbiat Modares University. https://elmnet.ir/doc/15949664-4034-4f66-b1a5-e4fc99f31dff (In Persian)
Afrakhteh, H. (2011). Iranian rural planning paradigms from the perspective of localization. Tehran: Kharazmi University Press. http://publish.khu.ac.ir/book-3685.html (In Persian)
Afrakhteh, H., Manafi Azar, R., & Nazari, A. H. (2020). The mechanism of real estate capitalism in Miandoab region. Human Settlements Planning Studies, 15(2), 629–648. https://www.ensani.ir/fa/article/544201 (In Persian)
Azarbad, N., Salmani, M., Motiei Langeroudi, S. H., & Roknoddin Eftekhari, A. R. (2010). Network explanation of urban-rural linkage with emphasis on population flows in Firouzkuh County. Human Geography Research, 74, 75–89. https://www.ensani.ir/fa/article/260918 (In Persian)
Azkia, M., Imani Jajarmi, H., & Farzizadeh Miandehi, Z. (2011). Applied research methods: Application of grounded theory (Vol. 2). Tehran: Kayhan Publications. https://www.adinehbook.com/product/ (In Persian)
Azkia, M., Imani Jajarmi, H., & Farzizadeh Miandehi, Z. (2011). Applied research methods: Application of grounded theory (Vol. 2). Tehran: Kayhan Publications. https://opac.nlai.ir/opac-prod/bibliographic/2933767 (In Persian)
Bathelt, H., Malmberg, A., & Maskell, P. (2004). Clusters and knowledge: Local buzz, global pipelines and the process of knowledge creation. Progress in Human Geography, 28(1), 31–56. https://doi.org/10.1191/0309132504ph469oa
Batten, D. F. (1995). Network cities: Creative urban agglomerations for the 21st century. Urban Studies, 32(2), 313–327. https://doi.org/10.1080/00420989550013103
Behrouz, S. M., Zarghami, E., & Mahdinejad, J. (2014). Contemporary paradigms of space ontology and its relationship with architectural epistemology. Journal of Humanities Methodology, 20(81), 31–52. https://www.noormags.ir/view/fa/articlepage/1005776 (In Persian)
Bodin, Ö., Crona, B., & Ernstson, H. (2006). Social networks in natural resource management: What is there to learn from a structural perspective? Ecology and Society, 11(2), r2. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-01808-1102r02
Camagni, R., & Salone, C. (1993). Network urban structures in Northern Italy: Elements for a theoretical framework. Urban Studies, 30, 1053–1064. https://doi.org/10.1080/00420989320080941
Capello, R. (2000). The city network paradigm: Measuring urban network externalities. Urban Studies, 37, 1925–1945. https://doi.org/10.1080/713707232
Capello, R., & Rietveld, P. (1998). The concept of network synergies in economic theory: Policy implications. In K. Button, P. Nijkamp, & H. Priemus (Eds.), Transport Networks in Europe (pp. 57–83). Edward Elgar. https://research.vu.nl/en/publications/the-concept-of-network-synergies-in-economic-theory-policy-implic 
Castells, M. (1996). The Rise of the Network Society. Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781444319514
Castells, M. (2000). Materials for an exploratory theory of the network society. The British Journal of Sociology, 51(1), 5–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/000713100358408
Christaller, W. (1933). Central Places in Southern Germany. Translated by C. W. Baskin. Prentice-Hall. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95121-5_269-2
Dadashpour, H., & Afaghpour, A. (2016). Epistemic and theoretical rationality governing the spatial organization of urban systems. Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities, 8(2), 1–28. https://civilica.com/doc/529777 (In Persian)
Dadashpour, H., & Ahmadi, F. (2010). Regional competitiveness as a new paradigm in regional development. Development Strategy Journal, (22), 51–80. https://www.noormags.ir/view/fa/articlepage/950088 (In Persian)
Dadashpour, H., & Alidadi, M. (2020). Integrated local development planning: Theoretical and operational framework for Iran. Tehran: Housing Foundation of the Islamic Revolution Press. https://www.gisoom.com/book/11990059 (In Persian)
Dadashpour, H., & Dehdejani, M. (2015). Identification and prioritization of root factors influencing regional competitiveness improvement (Kurdistan Province). Regional Planning, 5(19), 27–42. https://www.sid.ir/paper/278772/fa (In Persian)
Derudder, B., Devriendt, L., & Witlox, F. (2007). Flying where you don’t want to go: An empirical analysis of hubs in the global airline network. Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, 98(3), 307–324. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9663.2007.00399.x
Derudder, B., Meijers, E., Harrison, J., Hoyler, M., & Liu, X. (2022). Polycentric urban regions: Conceptualization, identification and implications. Regional Studies, 56(1), 1–6.  https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2021.1982134
Douglass, M. (1998). A regional network strategy for reciprocal rural-urban linkages: An agenda for policy research with reference to Indonesia. Third World Planning Review, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.3828/twpr.20.1.e6313716341617n0
Friedmann, J. (1966). Regional Development Policy: A Case Study of Venezuela. MIT Press. https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262560232/regional-development-policy/)
Fu, Y. (2021). Towards relational spatiality: Space, relation and Simmel’s modernity. Sociology, 55(6), 1173–1190. https://doi.org/10.1177/00380385211047366
Harvey, D. (1973). Social Justice and the City. Edward Arnold. https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/6690/social-justice-and-city (revised edition from Johns Hopkins University Press)
Harvey, D. (1989). The Condition of Postmodernity. Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781446213742.ch14
Harvey, D. (2000). Spaces of Hope. University of California Press. https://doi.org/10.1525/9780520924147
He, Y., Zhou, G., Tang, C., Tan, X., Chen, Z., & Fan, S. (2017). Theory on the spatial organization of urban-rural integration in urban agglomeration areas. Geographical Research, 36(2), 241–253. https://doi.org/10.11821/dlyj201702004
Jacobs, J. (1961). The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Random House. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118568446.eurs0496
Journabian, M. R., Azizpour, F., & Tahmasebi, A. A. (2023). Network analysis of spatial integration in the settlement system of the central district of Tonekabon County. Journal of Physical Development Planning, 8(22), 21–22. https://psp.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_10672.html (In Persian)
Kloosterman, R. C., & Musterd, S. (2001). The polycentric urban region: Towards a research agenda. Urban Studies, 38(4), 623–633. https://doi.org/10.1080/00420980120035240
Lefebvre, H. (1991). The Production of Space. Translated by Donald Nicholson-Smith. Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781444304251
Limtanakool, N., Schwanen, T., & Dijst, M. (2007). Ranking functional urban regions: A comparison of interaction and node attribute data. Cities, 24(1), 26–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2006.09.002
Massey, D. (2005). For Space. Sage Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446215005
Meijers, E. (2005). Polycentric urban regions and the quest for synergy: Is a network of cities more than the sum of the parts? Urban Studies, 42(4), 765–781. https://doi.org/10.1080/00420980500060372
Meijers, E. (2007). From central place to network model: Theory and evidence of paradigm change. Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, 98(2), 245–259. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9663.2007.00381.x
Mushfeghi, V. (2012). Capacity assessment of the functional spatial pattern of the urban network in Mazandaran Province using flow analysis (Master's thesis). Tehran: Tarbiat Modares University. https://elmnet.ir/doc/18905706-2935-4cc2-86af-49684a538cf2 (In Persian)
Nazarian, A., & Kenaroudi, S. (2009). Social developments in the integration of rural areas into the spatial-physical organization of Tehran (Kan District). Zagros Landscape Quarterly, 2(3), 47–63. https://www.sid.ir/paper/170191/fa (In Persian)
Newman, M. E. J. (2003). The structure and function of complex networks. SIAM Review, 45, 167–256. https://doi.org/10.1137/S003614450342480
Nooy, W., Mrvar, A., & Batagelj, V. (2005). Exploratory Social Network Analysis with Pajek. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511802847
Pain, K., & Shi, S. (2021). Cities, networks, polycentrism – Examining the place of polycentrism in spaces of flows. In Z. Neal & C. Rozenblat (Eds.), Handbook of Cities and Networks (pp. 493–510). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781788118114.00041
Parr, J. (2004). The polycentric urban region: A closer inspection. Regional Studies, 38(3), 231–240. https://doi.org/10.1080/003434042000211119
Sadeghi, M., Javan, J., & Rahnama, M. R. (2015). What is geographical space? A reflection on the nature of geographical space from the perspective of hermeneutic phenomenology. Geographical Studies of Arid Regions, 5(19), 12. https://ensani.ir/fa/article/35221 (In Persian)
Saidi, A. (2012). Structural-functional dynamics: An alternative approach in spatial planning. Journal of Spatial Economy and Rural Development, 1(1), 1–18. https://ensani.ir/fa/article/320513 (In Persian)
Salari, F., Ghorbani, M., & Malekian, A. (2015). Social monitoring of stakeholder networks in local water resources governance (Razin watershed, Kermanshah County). Rangeland and Watershed Management, 68(2), 287–305. https://www.sid.ir/paper/267798/fa (In Persian)
Shearmur, R. (2015). Central places or networks? Paradigms, metaphors, and spatial configurations of innovation-related service use. Environment and Planning A, 47, 1521–1539. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308518X15597198
Shokouei, H. (2012). New perspectives in urban geography. Tehran: Samt Publications. https://samt.ac.ir/fa/book/117 (In Persian)
Soja, E. W. (1996). Thirdspace: Journeys to Los Angeles and Other Real-and-Imagined Places. Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781444318098
Soja, E. W. (2010). Seeking Spatial Justice. University of Minnesota Press. https://doi.org/10.5749/minnesota/9780816666672.001.0001
Soleimani, M., Nazarian, A., & Yazdani, M. H. (2010). Spatial analysis of bank money order flows in the network of Iranian cities. Urban and Regional Studies and Research, 2(7), 1–30. https://ensani.ir/fa/article/245245 (In Persian)
Statistical Center of Iran. (2011). National population and housing census: Gazetteer of villages in Mazandaran Province. Tehran: Statistical Center of Iran. https://www.amar.org.ir (In Persian)
Statistical Center of Iran. (2016). National population and housing census: Gazetteer of villages in Mazandaran Province. Tehran: Statistical Center of Iran. https://www.amar.org.ir (In Persian)
Storper, M., & Venables, A. J. (2004). Buzz: Face-to-face contact and the urban economy. Journal of Economic Geography, 4(4), 351–370. https://doi.org/10.1093/jeg/4.4.351
Tang, C., & Dou, J. (2022). Exploring the polycentric structure and driving mechanism of urban regions from the perspective of innovation network. Frontiers in Physics, 10, Article 855380. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphy.2022.855380
Taylor, P. J. (2001). Specification of the world city network. Geographical Analysis,33(2), 117–132. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1538-4632.2001.tb00433.x
Taylor, P. J. (2007). Cities within spaces of flows: Theses for a materialist understanding of the external relations of cities. (In P. J. Taylor et al., Cities in Globalization: Practices, Policie   and  Theories). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318044038_Cities_within_spaces_of_flows_Theses_for_a_materialist_understanding_of_the_external_relations_of_cities
Taylor, P., Hoyler, M., & Verbruggen, R. (2010). External urban relational process: Introducing central flow theory to complement central place theory. Urban Studies, 47(13), 2803–2818. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098010377366
Wu, Z., Peng, Y., & Qin, B. (2025). The typology of urban polycentricity: A comparative study of firm distribution in 35 Chinese cities. Urban Science, 9(2), 45. https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9020045 
Ye, Q., Li, J., Kong, X., & Zhang, S. (2021). Identification and optimization of the spatial structure of urban and rural settlements from a hierarchical network perspective. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 31(8), 1151–1172. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-021-1886-x
Geography and Territorial Spatial Arrangement
Volume 16, Issue 60
October 2026
Pages 27-62

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 27 November 2025
  • Revise Date: 05 May 2026
  • Accept Date: 03 June 2026

Share

How to cite

Statistics