Iran - University of Tehran

Tehran University is the first center for higher education in Iran that was founded in 1934 and is one of the oldest universities all around the world. At the moment, it encircles 25 faculties, 9 campuses and 11 research centers. This university is initially established by merging following schools and educational centers in Tehran: Dār al-Fonun, School of Political Sciences, Medicine School, Agriculture & Rural Industries higher school, Mozzafar Agricultural School (the first agricultural school in Iran), School of Industries and Art (founded by Kamal-ol-Molk), higher school of Architecture, higher school of Law and some other higher education centers. French higher education institutions were taken as models for Tehran University by Iranian, French, Russian and Armenian architects. Syllabus and courses of the present School of Fine Arts were planned based on the programs of École des Beaux Institute. In 1971, the central library of the university opened, the building of which was designed by Abdol-aziz Farman-farmayan. The library has now a collection of 700,000 books and 1800 magazines from all over the world. In addition, every department and most of their groups enjoy their separate professional library. This university is a model for other universities in Iran and has had a significant role in formation and development of Tehran city. The oldest building of Tehran University is Soleymanieh Palace in Karaj which has been built in early Qajar era and enjoys from outstanding painting decorations. Tehran University is the outcome of several generations of Iranian and international architects that is, in this regard, of outstanding values in comparison to other similar cases all around the world. Its buildings indicate three significant stages of Persian architecture: 1. Traditional stage; 2. Transition stage; 3. Modern stage. These stages of Persian architecture display an outstanding collection of modern architecture which is a mixture of Persian and European styles in case of plans, facades and construction details.