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Morshedloo J. Urban Life in a Peripheral Situation: Urban Life of Darband in Islamic Period. JHS 2022; 13 (2) :385-424
URL: http://jhs.modares.ac.ir/article-25-58854-en.html

This study deals with the problem of urban life in north Caucasus as a significant component of the region's' social history. Concentrated on Darband (Derbent) as an archaic and long-lasted town, and applying a causal explanative approach, it investigates the relationship between the geographical situation of this town, the contribution of nomadic people and Caspian marine trade in developments of the social life of this ancient town. The main focus is on 17^th and 18^th century, however, it sheds some light on previous times as well. The main question which this study aims to provide an answer is that what causes and obstacles deprived the region of a glorifying, lasting and well-developed urban life. Its seems that the peripheral situation of Darband in the northern corner of Persian empires, while provided it with a kind of urban life within the politics of frontier management and constructing fortifications, caused a frustrating condition which hindered its urban development. The main cause of this frustration was the presence of a multitude of nomadic peoples who were living in north Caucasian steppes and mountainous areas in the nearby. This nomadic people, a large number of whom were living in Daghestan, were ready to be employed by the rival powers and in most periods invaded the town. Yet, the fact that Darband throughout its long history enjoyed an excellent geographical situation in north-western corner of the Caspian see, made it possible to hold its limited urban life.