The Role of Scholars in the formation of Birjand Shokatiye School

The development and promotion of cultural issues or in modern terms "education" in Iran has a longstanding history. Signs of this history could be tracked in ancient Persian texts like Avesta, ancient inscriptions, and other prose or poetry remaining from ancient times. Even though these scientific bases were the targets of many attacks by different groups looting enormous parts of intellectual and cultural manifestations of this country; but there were always caring people who have tried to prepare the path of intellectuality and culture and add to its popularity and prosperity. After the establishment of "Dar-ol-Fonoon" in 1268 AH. Efforts were made to establish other schools around Iran. The first efforts made by Mirza Hasan Tabrizi known as Roshdiye in 1313 AH. to establish modern schools in Urmia and Tabriz were unsuccessful due to the negative perceptions of people about modern schools. However, he finally established a modern school in 1315 AH. Eleven years after that Ibrahim Khan Shokatol Molk Alam, thought of establishing a modern school named Shokatiye in Birjand but because of indifference and opposition by the people his plan was not welcomed as he hoped it would be. Evidence shows that two years after the establishment of the school Sheikh Mohammad Bagher Gazari and Sheikh Hadi Hadavi sent their children to Shokatiye and monitored the curriculum and exams of the school themselves. This action created a better picture of the school among the people and people from near or far away towns and villages started sending their children to Shokatiye as well. This article tries to introduce some of the characteristics of contemporary scholars and their role in promoting the Shokatiye school.