A Middle Range Theory View on the Location of the Campsites in Western Iran: A Case Study of Bakhtiari Region

Southern Zagros mountainous region which is the country (Yelagh as local name) for Bakhtiari and a few ofQashqayi tribes, is resided during spring and summer due to suitable geographical and climate conditions suchas sufficient water supplies, acceptable pastures and timing for the growth of plants. The mentioned tribes spendtheir winter quarters during fall and winter in some regions in the Khuzestan and the Fars provinces. In the countryregions, the immigrants choose specific places to reside and camp depending on the climate conditions, the levelof security for the people and the herd, protection from wind and raining, access to water supplies, and growth ofplants in the pastures. This study aims to identify the ancient ways of choosing the locations for camping in thecountry regions and show where campsites can be easily located. This will be achieved through the Middle RangeTheory (MRT) by studying and evaluating modern pastoral groups.

Keywords:

Southern Zagros , Bakhtiari , country , winter quarters , campsite , Middle Range Theory