Using Analytical Hierarchy Model for Developing and Prioritizing of Effective Criteria in Relocating the Capital

Since the beginning of the twentieth century, many countries have changed their capitals. Capital cities are the heart of any political system that those being threatened can lead to collapse of the political system of the country. That is why locating the capital of each country, as the center of authority and persistence of political structure is very important. The main objective of this study is to identify and prioritize the criteria and factors that affect in relocating the capital of the country. This article’s type is analytical – descriptive and will attempt to find effective indicators and criteria and importance of each by using expert opinion. Thus, 18 main criteria that affect locating of capitals detected; including the following four categories of criteria for environmental-natural, socio-cultural, security-defense, economic-political. Then using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Thomas L. Saaty’s binary comparison matrix to determine the coefficients to rank importance of the indices and criteria studied. The results show that among the main criteria, environmental criteria (weight 0.423) as compared to defensive, social and economic criteria is more important. Among the sub-criteria, four indicators "not being exposed to earthquake and fault zone (with coefficient = 0.179)", "appropriate access to surface water and groundwater (0.123)", "being far away from nuclear centers (0.120)" and " the rate of social crime (0.080)" are the most important weights of elements in the selection process of suitable location for the capital. In addition, based on these findings it can be stated that the selection or locating of the capital; more than 50 percent, depends on these four factors.