Extended abstract
Introduction: Zoorabad Jam is a border region in eastern Khorasan characterized by a relatively low-lying plain situated between two rivers and flanked by two mountain ranges, sharing a border with Afghanistan. Historically, the movement of people between the two countries has been facilitated through this border area. However, existing documents indicate widespread migration (both forced and voluntary) of the inhabitants of the Zoorabad border region during the First Pahlavi era. This migration occurred shortly after the commencement of the Pahlavi government's reform measures regarding the settlement of nomads. The implementation of this policy significantly affected the security of this border region, as it diminished the role of nomads as military forces responsible for safeguarding the borders. Previously, the nomads were under the authority of khans and local powers, naturally fulfilling a protective function for the borders. Meanwhile, the government was unable to replace them with an adequate military force to protect this segment of the border. There were few border outposts in these areas, which lacked the capacity to withstand incursions from Afghan nomads. The assaults from Afghan tribes under Afghan rule against Iranian borders increased. Ultimately, the Afghan attack on Zoorabad in the northern border region of Iran and the ensuing Zoorabad incident exacerbated the situation. In 1313H (1934 AD), approximately 2,000 members of the Baluch, Noorzaei, Zoori, and Timur tribes, residing along the Iran-Afghanistan border, were forced to migrate into Afghanistan following the Afghan incursions into Zoorabad. Migration represents a two-fold phenomenon and carries both positive and negative repercussions for both the destination and origin of the migratory flows. The emigration of the local population and the depopulation of the Zoorabad region also brought social, economic, cultural, and other implications. As evidenced by documents and records, the migration (both forced and voluntary) of the area's indigenous residents following the invasion of border tribes from Afghanistan into Iran and the emergence of the Zoorabad incident led to the depopulation of numerous villages and farms. Given the geopolitical location of the region as a disputed border area between Iran and Afghanistan, maintaining the human population and agricultural activity was crucial for establishing Iranian political sovereignty over the region. Otherwise, the likelihood of a shift in the region's demographic composition and Afghan claims of sovereignty would have increased. Therefore, this article aims to address the conditions of farms and properties in the region after the migration of native residents and answer the question: what measures did the government take to manage and utilize the abandoned properties and agricultural lands in Zurabad?
Materials & Methods: The methodology employed in this article is descriptive-analytical, examining existing archival and library sources related to the topic. Additionally, given the breadth of the subject of migration and its repercussions, this article specifically addresses one of the consequences of migration at its origin to avoid generalizations. Hence, the outline first describes the geographical and demographic status of the area in question, discusses the reasons behind the Zoorabad incident and its consequences, and then examines the government's measures for managing the abandoned properties of migrants and supplying a workforce. The community under investigation comprises the properties of migrants who relocated from Zoorabad to Afghanistan between 1313 H and 1320 H (1934-1941 AD).
Discussion & Result:The available data indicate that the migration (both forced and voluntary) of the local inhabitants in the wake of the Zoorabad incident led to the depopulation of villages and farms. Considering its geographical position as a border region with longstanding disputes with the neighboring country, it was vital to maintain the human population as well as the agricultural sector in order to stabilize Iran’s political sovereignty over the area. Consequently, the government attempted to address this issue through supportive measures, such as resettling eastern tribes (the Barabari Afghans), leasing confiscated properties, and other strategies. However, the lack of motivation among the labor force and the resulting temporary settlement in this area, along with migration to other regions, rendered the government’s efforts ineffective. Finally, the government sought to organize the situation in the region by leasing properties to agricultural companies and resolving legal issues of property ownership.
Conclusion: The forced and voluntary migration of local residents from Zoorabad significantly altered the demographic and agricultural landscape of the region. As a critical border area with historical disputes, preserving the human population and agricultural activity was vital for asserting political sovereignty. Although the government's attempts to manage abandoned properties and support agricultural activities were initiated, factors like labor retention and motivation limited these interventions' success. The strategy to lease land to agricultural businesses and resolve property disputes indicates ongoing efforts to stabilize the region, although challenges still persist.