DR. JACOB EDUARD POLAK (1818 – 1891): THE PIONEER OF MODERN MEDICINE IN IRAN

istorically, the second half of the 19th century is the beginning of the process of modernization in Iran. Mirza Taqi Khan Amir Kabir, the chief minister of Naser-ad- Din Shah Qajar, the fourth king of Qajar dynasty (1794 – 1925), was a great reformist who was heavily involved in Iranʹs modernization. The foundation of Dar-al-Fonun (i.e. the house of techniques) is considered one of the most important efforts of Amir Kabir. Dar-al-Fonun was an institute of technology, which started to function in 1851. It was the first modern higher-educational institution that included both technical-scientific and military instruction. Most teaching was done by European instructors, with the aid of local translators. Under the Dar-al- Fonun’s auspices, various books were translated into Persian; the first Persian modern books were published and some governmental officials received their education.