First Images of Dar al-Fonoon Medical Students in the Qajar Era – Practical Lessons Were Conducted at Patients’ Homes! [Photos]

Dar al-Funun: Iran’s First Modern School and Medical Education Center

According to the society section of SaedNews, quoting Hamshahri Online, during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah, Mirza Taghi Khan Farahani, known as Amir Kabir, established the first modern school in Iran. The school also produced the country’s first medical students.

Dar al-Funun officially opened on Sunday, 6th of Dey 1230 SH (5th Rabi’ al-Awwal 1268 AH), just 13 days before Amir Kabir’s assassination. The inauguration was attended by Naser al-Din Shah, the newly appointed Prime Minister Agha Khan Nouri, and a group of Iranian and European scholars and teachers, along with 30 students, some of whom were studying medicine. During the 44 years that the school operated under Naser al-Din Shah, only 12 classes of students graduated.

20 Out of 100 Students Studied Medicine

Dar al-Funun was located on the street known as Naseriyeh (Nasr Khusraw) and is historically recognized as Iran’s first center for modern science and technology education. The medical branch taught modern medicine and, in fact, represents the first modern university in Iranian history. By 1309 AH, approximately 1,100 students had graduated in various disciplines. In later classes, 100 students were admitted, 20 of whom studied medicine.

Although Iranian physicians had practiced medicine for centuries, by the late Qajar era the situation had become critical. Foreign doctors taught modern medicine, while Iranian traditional physicians (hakims) practiced classical medicine. Conflicts and contradictions between these systems were common. Amir Kabir’s establishment of Dar al-Funun introduced modern medical education, with two European physicians teaching new medical methods to Iranian students.

Practical Medical Training

Medical students at Dar al-Funun received hands-on training at the clinics of renowned physicians and school instructors, even visiting patients under supervision. Additionally, laboratory equipment, anatomical charts, human skeletons, and various European medical models were provided for students.

Letters left by Amir Kabir, entries in the newspaper Vaghaye’ Ettefaghieh, and other historical documents indicate that the school did not initially have a formal name. It was referred to variously as: “the school,” “new school,” “royal maktabkhaneh,” “house of education,” “house of teachers,” and “Nezamiyeh School.”