The Impact of Modern State Institutions on the Function of Traditional Structures: Case Study: Turkmens in Iran

Articles in Press

Document Type : مقالات علمی -پژوهشی

Author

Barzin Zarghami

Farhangh University

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.2026.96897.1419

Abstract

Ecological structures characterized by a mono-structural nature exert greater influence on citizens and their residential spaces. This is particularly noteworthy among ethnic groups whose sources of influence have traditionally been singular. When political structures come under the influence of dominant variables, new influential variables emerge that transform their traditional conditions.

The Turkmens are an ethnic group in Iran residing in the Turkmen Sahra region and along the Atrak and Gorgan rivers. Their main settlements are distributed across the provinces of Golestan and North Khorasan.

Prior to the establishment of the modern state, the Turkmen ethnic group possessed a set of institutions rooted in ethnic identity. With the formation of the modern state in Iran and the expansion of its functions across geographical space, the institutional structures of the Turkmens also underwent transformation. Institutions such as education, parliament, local political organizations, the inclusive economy, communication networks, trade, social networks, and other components of the modern state reshaped the local structures of the Turkmens.

This research employs a descriptive–analytical method with an overarching qualitative approach. The findings are grounded in logical reasoning. To examine the impact of these transformations, the traditional socio-political structures of the Turkmens were first identified through documentary and library research. Subsequently, using a questionnaire and consulting local experts, the influence of modern state institutions on traditional structures was evaluated and presented in a paired comparison scale.

The results of both the library and field studies indicate that the functions of the modern state, through various mechanisms and methods, have significantly affected ethnic structures and reduced the role of traditional Turkmen institutions. Each modern institutional structure has influenced the Turkmens’ traditional system to varying degrees. Among these, four modern-state structures—communication networks, education, economy, and local political structures—have had the greatest impact on transforming the Turkmen ethnic structure.

Keywords

Turkmens

local structure

modern state

Iran

Subjects

• Political Geography

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