Geography and Regional Planning

Geography and Regional Planning

The Geocultural Position of Guilan and the Introduction of Modernity into Iran

Authors
1 Department of Political Science, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
2 Department of Political Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
10.22034/jgeoq.2026.591435.4503
Abstract
The introduction of modernity into Iran constitutes one of the most significant transformations in the country's contemporary history, bringing about profound economic, social, cultural, and political changes. Although numerous studies have emphasized the role of state reforms, intellectuals, and economic factors in this process, the impact of geopolitical factors and border regions on the transmission of modernity has received comparatively limited attention. This study seeks to examine the role of Guilan's frontier position in the introduction and diffusion of modernity in Iran. The main research question is: What role did Guilan's geopolitical position play in the transfer of modern institutions, ideas, and practices to Iran? The study hypothesizes that Guilan's location along the principal communication route linking Iran with the Caucasus, Russia, and Europe transformed the region into an intermediary space for the transmission of goods, capital, technology, information, and new ideas, thereby facilitating the early introduction of modernity into Iran. Drawing upon the theoretical framework of historical geopolitics and Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory, this research employs a historical-analytical method. The findings demonstrate that, owing to its strategic geographical location, expanding foreign trade, extensive transnational connections, the growth of modern education, newspapers, civil associations, and new urban institutions, Guilan became one of the earliest centers through which Iranian society encountered modernity. The study concludes that Guilan functioned as a geopolitical intermediary space and played a decisive role in the transmission and diffusion of modernity in Iran.
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