The effect of trade routes in trade development of Birjand during the 13th and 14th Hejri centuries

One of the issues in social history and economy, particularly in local history research, is the situation of roads and trade routes. Roads have an important role in business dealings, scientific and cultural exchange, and civilization prosperity. Various factors have affected the situation of relationship roads during the 13th and 14th Hejri centuries (Qujar and Pahlavi eras), and following this the cities which were situated on the route developed because of these factors. In the present paper, first some generalization is given about the situation of roads and transportation of Persia during the 13th and 14th Hejri centuries; then, the position of Birjand concerning relationship routes is assessed. In this assessment the role of internal factors influential in the flourish and improvement of roads in the region is examined through reference to the measures of local rulers. The effect of external factors, too, is also revealed through their reports and measures; and their direct, and sometimes indirect interference, in the region.