A Comparative Analysis of the Law on the Preservation of Agricultural Land Use in Iran, Turkey, and France

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Law, Go. C, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran.

2 Department of Theology, Gon. C. University Gonbad Kavoos, Iran.

10.22091/ijicl.2025.14238.1197

Abstract

The rapid pace of urbanization and pressures from industrial expansion in recent decades have posed a serious threat to agricultural land use in many countries. In Iran, the “Law on the Preservation of Agricultural and Orchard Land Use” was enacted as the main legal instrument to curb land conversion. However, despite several amendments, the law has failed to effectively prevent the growing trend of farmland destruction. The main problem addressed in this study is the shortcomings and implementation challenges of this law in Iran, compared with the experiences of Turkey and France. The central research question is: “What factors explain the relative inefficiency of Iran’s land preservation law, and what lessons can be drawn from Turkey and France?” The hypothesis argues that institutional fragmentation, multiple decision-making authorities, legal gaps, and weak enforcement mechanisms are the major causes of failure in Iran. In contrast, Turkey and particularly France have achieved higher effectiveness through transparent legal frameworks and cohesive institutional arrangements. The study employs a descriptive–analytical and comparative approach, drawing on documentary sources, national legislations, and international reports. The theoretical framework is grounded in the concepts of “land governance” and “new institutionalism.” Findings indicate that although Iran has strong legal potential, its implementation suffers from institutional dispersion and weak enforcement. Turkey’s recent reforms and France’s comprehensive land-use planning system demonstrate relatively higher effectiveness. The conclusion suggests that reform in Iran should focus on strengthening monitoring institutions, ensuring transparency in decision-making processes, and adopting elements of the French land governance model.

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Main Subjects

Iranian Journal of International and Comparative Law

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 January 2026

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