{"id":79549,"date":"2024-04-24T00:48:46","date_gmt":"2024-04-24T00:48:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/?p=79549"},"modified":"2026-01-07T14:32:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T14:32:09","slug":"darolfonoon-high-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/darolfonoon-high-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Dar ul-Funun High School in Tehran"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dar ul-Funun<\/strong> in Tehran<\/a><\/strong> is not only a historical attraction but also a significant piece of Iran\u2019s national heritage, established during the Qajar<\/strong> era by the well-known Amir Kabir<\/strong>. In this article, we explore the significant facets of this school, delving into its rich history and cultural importance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History and Background of Dar ul-Funun<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Dar
Dar ul-Funun<\/a> High School Courtyard (photo by Wikipedia)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Founded in 1851<\/strong> under the supervision of Amir Kabir, then the chief minister of Naser al-Din Shah<\/strong>, Dar ul-Funun<\/strong> was Iran\u2019s first modern educational institution. Aimed at elevating the knowledge and awareness of the populace, it originally offered courses in engineering, medicine, and the sciences. By 1988, it was recognized as a national monument and today, it serves as a vital tourist destination in Tehran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Genesis of Dar ul-Funun<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Entrance
Entrance of Dar ul-Funun High School in Tehran<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The defeats suffered by Iran during conflicts with Russia, which led to significant territorial losses, underscored the lack of critical knowledge and awareness among the country\u2019s leadership during the Qajar period<\/a>. At 22, Mirza Taghi Khan<\/strong> traveled to Russia, where the exposure to schools, factories, and scientific establishments inspired him to establish an institution for teaching modern sciences in Iran, which later came to be known as Dar ul-Funun. With Naser al-Din Shah\u2019s approval, Mirza Taghi Khan selected the site and commissioned the chief architect, Engineer Bashi, to design the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Architectural Features and Design of Dar ul-Funun<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Architecture
Architecture of Darolfonoon High School<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The main building of Dar ul-Funun<\/strong>, located in Tehran, initially chose a site near the royal palaces and military training grounds. The design was laid out by Mirza Reza Khan<\/strong>, the engineer of Tabriz<\/a><\/strong>, but in 1929, the old building was demolished and reconstructed based on a design by a Russian engineer. Today, the building stands with fifty square rooms adorned with intricate stucco and beautiful carvings, each leading out to a veranda facing a large courtyard adorned with a central pool and lush gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dar ul-Funun\u2019s Educational System in the Past<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Inside
Inside Dar ul-Funun High School<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

When Amir Kabir<\/strong> was assassinated, the school began with 7 teachers and 114 students. The curriculum included subjects such as medicine, surgery, engineering, artillery, infantry, cavalry, geology, and pharmacy. Over the years, additional subjects like geography, drafting, mathematics, traditional medicine, and foreign languages were introduced. Notable alumni include Mohammad Hassan Khan E’temad os-Saltaneh<\/strong>, Mirza Kazem Malati<\/strong>, Mirza Jahangir Khan<\/strong>, and Ehtesham os-Saltaneh<\/strong>, who made significant contributions in various fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

List of Presidents of Dar ul-Funun<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Classrooms
Classrooms of Darolfonoon High School, Tehran<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Dar ul-Funun<\/strong>, a cornerstone of modern education in Iran<\/a>, has been led by a series of influential presidents who have steered the institution through significant periods of academic and cultural change. Here is a chronology of those who have held this prestigious position:<\/p>\n\n\n\n