The rapid expansion of urbanization and urban population growth has spread worldwide. There are
several reasons for the intensified rural-urban migration, which have perverted efforts to manage growth poles
in developing countries. Similar to many other developing countries, Iran has experienced rapid urbanization
in recent decades through various policies and events. This research attempts to evaluate the evolution of
urbanization in Iran in the contemporary period (1950-2010) to identify effective policies and incidents that have
influenced the process of urbanization, population growth and the increasing rate of people migration. The
research assessment indicates that, generally, eight elements have contributed to Iran’s urbanization including
industrialization, land reform, Islamic revolution, war with Iraq, reconstruction period, family planning program,
city council establishment and housing strategies. However, waves of urbanization have given birth to many
problems due to the lack of good governance, diverse economic reforms and unsuitable development strategies.
Therefore, this research presents that urbanization as a process needs government efforts to create
organizational synergy for management in rural and urban areas as well as adequate national and regional
policies to ensure equitable distribution of the common wealth for all people in urban and rural areas. This will
make sure that authorities are equal to the development in Iranian settlement areas and reduce the rural-urban
migration rate and informal settlements around Iranian cities.