Archaeology of a Rural Qanāt: Water Management and Social Relations in 17th Century Isfahān, Iran

This study investigates the water management structures and social relations that centred around a specific qanāt line in rural setting Iran during Safavid period, specifically mid-17th c. CE. The is northwest of Isfahān, near Varkān, at site called Mobārrak Ābād. method combines analysis documentary evidence remote sensing historical aerial photography. provides administrative details suyūrghāl grant to Mohammad Beig E’temād-al-Dowleh by Shah ‘Abbās II. In combining this with physical characteristics Ābād, as derived from photograph, I provide identification two canals providing beyond garden use for agricultural irrigation Aranjon’s village infrastructure. conclusions discuss material conditions periphery prosperous fertile Isfahān region relative dating associated personal can be are economic dependency between E´temād-al-Dowleh on one hand, well labour peasant population living who maintain infrastructure superstructure other. article thus new insights into an under-investigated subject period.