The Unexpected Results of Iranian Education System from 1851 to Present Day

Abstract

In this study, I scrutinize the education system in Iran from 1851, the foundation of Dar al-Fanon, onwards. This period is characterized by building of the nation-state, modernization process, and the penetration of secular ideologies, institutions and laws. It also portrays the mstitutionalization of modern education system through especially the expansion of state-controlled mass education. What the interesting point is the contradictions and shiftings which this transformation has produced throughout this period. This period covers the collapse of Qajar Dynasty (1925), Riza and Muhammad Shahs' eras (1925-1979), and the development of Islamic rejime, which was founded by Khomeini, until present. Briefly, this study aims at trying to focus on the mstitutionalization of Iranian education system and the relationship between the state and society throughout this period, especially after the application of modern mass educational projects by the Riza Shah.