The Development and Decline of Sirjan during the Middle Islamic Era; the Role of the Governments, Economic and Environmental Factors

Abstract Sirjan was one of the great provinces of Kerman and expanded in Qala-Sang from the sixth century AH. However, during the ninth century it gradually abandoned. The question is what variables have influenced the growth and decline of Sirjan in the middle Islamic centuries? The data are the result of historical sources and archaeological excavations in the Qala-Sang and the analytical research has done. According to the results, leaving the early city of Sirjan was probably due to a consequence of the invasion of the Oguzs, and the actions of the Shabankareh kings in the late sixth century led to its transfer to the Qala-Sang. Sirjan's position on the southern highways as a “middle city”, with suitable minerals and biological resources, led to its development, especially in the shadow of the powerful governments of the Qarakhtais and Muzaffarids. In addition, the characteristics of “location, security and strategy of the rulers” made Sirjan an economic center. However, the late Muzaffarids dispute, the invasion of Timur and Sultan Hosayn Bayqara, led to its decline and abandonment.