Natural environment of Zayande-Rood and the Safavid development of Isfahan

Isfahan is a historic city that has experienced several urban developments throughout its shining and glorious past. They began in Al-buyid and Seljuq periods, and continued through the Safavid urban evolution in the sixteenth century. Zayande-Rood is an important and effective natural element in the city's landscape and plan. This article reflects the conclusion of a historic study on revitalization of Zayande- Rood's riverfront. The interaction of Zayande- Rood, its nature in Isfahan plain and the city in Safavid period is the main scope of this article. Therefore, the historic changes of the natural-historic environment of the river are studied. The documents used in this study are historic texts, foreign and vernacular tourists' travelogues, and historic maps and pictures from natural – historic environment of the Zayande- Rood River. The conclusion is cognition of: I) Interaction between Zayande- Rood river & Isfahan in Safavid Era, II) Theory of the Safavid development of Isfahan in relation to the river. They provide a theoretical base for planning, conservation and development plans of the city, especially for the Zayande- Rood's natural-historic environment.