The effect of modern engineering training on the mining industry during the Qajar period

The interest of Qajar leaders in minerals and the military and industrial needs of the country for mineral raw materials coupled with the necessity of industrial development of the country prompted state officials to pay greater attention to educating students in diverse fields of earth sciences (especially mining engineering). The recruitment of foreign experts and dispatching students to Europe mitigated some of the problems pertained to expertise and technical knowledge in this industry, but they were not sufficient. With the establishment of the Dar ul-Funun (Polytechnic School) and the recruitment of foreign teachers by Amirkabir, modern education in this field was significantly improved. The development of industry and science on a global scale, the expanded economic views of the Iranian political officials, the contribution of two university professors, Czarnotta and Schlimmer and the publication of new textbooks led to the growth of technical knowledge of mining engineering in Iran. With the graduation of Dar ul-Fonun students and the return of Europe-educated students, there was a surge in mining activity. Historical documents exhibit that in the years following the establishment of Dar ul-Funun, various industries made headway in Iran. The growing trend of mining activity in the late Qajar years can be seen as a manifestation of the education’s impact on the growth of the mining industry in Iran.