The topic of transferring the capital from one city to another is a story with a long history. The records related to the most important cases of capital transfers in the world show that the transfer of capitals took place in 1800 in America, in 1868 in Japan, in 1871 in Italy, in 1912 in India, in 1918 in Russia, and in 1923 in Turkey. There are also records of capital transfers in 1927 in Australia, 1944 in France, 1960 in Brazil, 1967 in Pakistan, 1973 in Tanzania, and 1982 in Sri Lanka (1).

After the revolution in February 1979, the issue of transferring the capital of Iran from Tehran became a serious topic in the 1970s due to reasons such as population density, air pollution, traffic problems, earthquake risks, and excessive concentration of resources and facilities in Tehran. However, in the 1980s, this issue was brought to the attention of the media and political forums, and in 2011, the leader of the Islamic Republic emphasized the need for a serious investigation into it. After that, plans and proposals were made to transfer the administrative or political capital to cities such as Isfahan, Semnan, or even creating a new city. However, until now, no serious and practical steps have been taken to transfer the capital, and Tehran remains the capital and center of politics, administration, and economy of the country. Although this issue is still under discussion, it seems that its implementation requires long-term planning and significant investment.

One of the main reasons for the proposed transfer of the capital is decentralization. Supporters believe that moving the capital can help reduce the concentration of administrative, economic, and political affairs in Tehran and facilitate balanced development in other regions of the country. With a population of over 15 million, Tehran, as a metropolis, is faced with problems caused by overpopulation. The transfer of the capital can help reduce this density and promote a more balanced distribution of the population in the country. On the other hand, Tehran is struggling with traffic and air pollution, and the transfer of the capital can help alleviate some of these issues. Tehran is one of the most polluted cities in the world, and this transfer can help reduce administrative and economic activities in Tehran and, as a result, decrease air pollution. Traffic in Tehran is one of the biggest problems in this city, and transferring some administrative and political activities can help alleviate this issue.

Another reason that has been mentioned for the transfer of the capital is the danger of earthquakes. Tehran is located on active faults and the risk of major earthquakes has always existed. This transfer can reduce the scale of human disasters. Another reason for proponents of transferring the capital is decentralization from certain regions; meaning that the concentration of resources and facilities in Tehran has caused other regions of the country to lag behind, and transferring the capital can help develop less privileged regions and create balance in national development.

However, without a doubt, a transfer of this magnitude and scope also presents fundamental challenges; challenges such as the heavy costs of this transfer. The transfer of the capital requires significant investment in infrastructure, office buildings, and housing for government employees, as well as the transfer of human resources. Opponents believe that these costs could be spent in other sectors of the country that are in greater need. Therefore, the current economic situation in Iran and the difficult conditions of sanctions have made this transfer practically impossible. On the other hand, the time-consuming nature of the transfer is also a challenge that can result from the same impractical investment, which can hinder any decision in this regard. What is certain is that the process may take years or even decades. Opponents believe that this plan may face many implementation problems. These challenges must be added to the political and social resistance at the level of the Iranian society, where some groups or institutions may oppose this plan or its implementation may be accompanied by political challenges. On

But what regions or cities have been considered for the transfer of the capital? Cities such as Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, and Semnan have always been among the potential options for the transfer of the capital. However, critics believe that transferring to any of these cities – which themselves are facing numerous managerial and environmental problems – could not only worsen the conditions in those cities, but also create dangerous security risks. Nevertheless, among the many names that have been mentioned over the years, the latest name has caused a lot of controversy. In the government’s latest statement about the transfer of the capital, and after the president’s repeated emphasis on the necessity of this relocation, Fatemeh Mahajerani, the government spokesperson, mentioned “Makran” as one of the serious options for the transfer of the capital in one of her conversations with reporters. Although in later statements she corrected this and emphasized the uncertainty of the matter, it did not prevent criticism from opponents. Here we

Makran is a historical and geographical region located in southeastern Iran and parts of southwestern Pakistan. This region is situated on the coast of the Sea of Oman and due to its strategic, historical, and natural significance, it holds a special importance. The name Makran has been known in ancient Iranian history and also in Islamic texts as a part of eastern Iranian lands and sometimes described as the “Land of Fishermen”. During the Achaemenid, Sassanid, and Islamic periods, Makran played a key role as a trade and military route. Due to its proximity to the Sea of Oman and access to the Indian Ocean, Makran is in a position to turn Iran into a hub of international trade. This strategic location makes Makran play an important role in meeting economic needs and connecting with the world. (2)

Makran includes parts of the provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan and Hormozgan, and according to government spokesperson, it is one of the options that has been seriously discussed in recent years. (3) One of the main reasons for this choice, according to the proposers, is the strategic geographical location of this region. Makran, due to its access to open waters (the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean) and its proximity to South Asian countries, has a unique commercial and geopolitical position that can introduce this region as a commercial and logistics hub for Iran. On the other hand, according to this group, relocating the capital to Makran can help with infrastructure development, job creation, and economic growth in one of Iran’s underdeveloped regions, and reduce the development gap between central and peripheral regions of the country. (4) Additionally, like other options for relocating the capital, it can help alleviate the problems of Tehran, which were mentioned at the

From this perspective, opponents of this choice and transfer also present their own specific reasons. One of the most important reasons is the lack of infrastructure in Makran. The Makran region currently faces serious limitations in terms of transportation, communication, water, and electricity infrastructure. Developing these infrastructures requires significant investment and time. The region’s climate should also be considered as a reason for this group. Makran has a warm and dry climate, which may not be suitable for a large population. It could be argued that the climate in this region is similar to Dubai, the Emirates, and countries in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. However, in these regions, the necessary infrastructure for a large population is already in place, and Makran has a long way to go before reaching those conditions. This requires planning for the creation of a smart and sustainable city. Therefore, there are many reasons for resistance and opposition to transferring the capital to Makran, especially since transforming Makran into a city similar

This transfer can also cause other damages to the region and the people of Makran, including cultural and social damages. However, transferring the capital to any other region will result in a widespread migration to that region. This migration can lead to major changes in the population and cultural composition of the region. Especially the culture, customs and traditions of the local people will be influenced by the new migrants. The influx of people with different cultures can diminish the importance of local culture and even lead to the forgetting of some traditions. But it seems that the most important aspect is ignoring the opinions of the local people. Without a doubt, for the sustainability of such decisions, the participation of the people should not be ignored. Especially the people living in the region, who are the first and fundamental pillars for the success of such big plans. Otherwise, this can lead to dissatisfaction and even social tensions. To reduce social and cultural damages, it is necessary for the local people to participate in the decision-making process. This participation

However, it seems that the transfer of the capital can improve the region’s infrastructure and create new job opportunities and contribute to the economic growth of the region, but if the economic benefits are not distributed fairly and are more in favor of new immigrants rather than the local people, this can lead to economic inequality in the region. Experience has shown that this has happened in most cases; although it has not been experienced in the transfer of the capital, people have always been witness to such discrimination in other parts of society. All of these must also consider potential environmental damages. Undeveloped areas such as Makran have sensitive ecosystems that may be damaged due to rapid and extensive development. Extensive construction, pollution, and changes in natural patterns can lead to environmental destruction. Also, the increase in population and economic activities can lead to a decrease in natural resources such as water, soil, and air. This can be detrimental to the local people who are dependent on these resources. However, the existing economic potential

“Nevertheless, the transfer of the capital to Makran is a strategically and economically attractive idea, but its implementation requires long-term planning, extensive investment, and addressing infrastructural and social challenges; a need that will not be met given the current situation in Iran and numerous economic difficulties and major obstacles for large investments – at least in the short term. There is no clear path or vision for preparing the mentioned foundations by experts and mentioned in this note, and any discussion of transferring the capital in the current conditions is playing with public opinion with goals beyond the genuine will for its implementation.”

Notes:

1- How much is the cost of transferring to the capital?

Online economy.

“February 9th, 2022.”

2- Where is Makran? / Get to know the new capital of Iran.

Online economy

“17 Dey 1403”

3- Explanation of the government’s spokesperson regarding the issue of transferring the capital city.

Bright.

January 9th, 2025

4- From Tehran to Makran, the coasts of Sistan and Baluchestan, the new capital of Iran?

Fararu.

This is a name and does not have a direct translation. It could possibly be a person’s name or a brand name.

17 Dey 1403.