From the Association of Education to the Association of the Council of the Ministry of Education: 1315 to 1320 AH

The focus of this article is on the reforms implemented in the realm of modern education within Iranian society during the Qajar era. Amin al-Dawlah, the chancellor of Muzaffaruddin Shah from Dhu Qadah 1314 to Muharram 1316, prioritized the modernization of education and the establishment of schools as part of his reform agenda. His support for individuals like Mirza Hassan Rushdieh, who pioneered new elementary schools and introduced a new teaching style for the alphabet, contributed to the success of these new educational institutions. Additionally, under his guidance and with the involvement of key figures in education, the “Education Association” was established for the first time. This association marked a significant milestone in civil engagement within the realm of culture, particularly in the efforts to establish new schools. Its formation as a civil organization aimed to support various goals such as educational policy-making, fundraising, library development, and book publishing. Over time, the association gradually expanded its scope of activities to encompass other cultural and educational endeavors. During their meetings, members of the association deliberated on strategies to address these issues and progressively broadened their involvement in other cultural and educational domains. This period witnessed the establishment of programs and regulations, the compilation of internal rules, the organization of charitable events, and the supervision of both public and private school groups. This article provides an analysis of the progression of these developments.