University of Tehran

University of Tehran
Name	University of Tehran
Established	1934
Type	Public
President	Mohammad Moghimi
City	Tehran
Country	Iran
Campus	Urban
Affiliations	FUIW, IAU

Contents

History
Campus
Academics
Research
Notable alumni and faculty
See also

University of Tehran. It is the oldest and most prominent modern university in Iran, founded in 1934 under the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi. Often referred to as the "Mother University" of Iran, it has played a central role in the nation's modern intellectual and political development. Its main campus is located in Enghelab Square in the heart of the capital.

History

The institution's establishment was a cornerstone of the modernization efforts during the Pahlavi dynasty, consolidating several existing higher education centers like the Dar ul-Funun and the School of Political Science. Its founding chancellor was Isa Sedigh, and its initial faculties included Medicine, Science, and Literature. The university was a focal point during the political upheavals of the 20th century, including the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the subsequent Iran hostage crisis, where students were among the occupiers of the United States embassy. Throughout the Iran–Iraq War, it maintained its academic operations despite significant challenges.

Campus

The primary campus, known as the Central Campus, is situated on land formerly part of the Qajar dynasty's Jalaliyeh Garden. Its iconic central library and administration building were designed by French architect André Godard and Maxime Siroux. The university operates numerous satellite campuses across Tehran Province and beyond, including the College of Fine Arts on Enghelab Street, the Karaj agricultural campus, and the Kish International Campus in the Persian Gulf. Other significant facilities include the University of Tehran Observatory and the Veterinary Hospital.

Academics

It comprises over 50 faculties, institutes, and research centers, organized into colleges such as the College of Engineering, College of Science, and College of Humanities. The institution offers a comprehensive range of programs through its Faculty of Law and Political Science, Faculty of Economics, and Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature. It is a major hub for professional education in fields like dentistry at the School of Dentistry and pharmacy at the School of Pharmacy. The university consistently ranks highly in regional evaluations by Times Higher Education and the QS World University Rankings.

Research

The university hosts numerous pioneering research institutes, including the Institute of Geophysics, the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, and the Center for Research in Climate Change and Global Warming. It is a leading center for nanotechnology research in Iran, operating under the Iran Nanotechnology Initiative Council. Significant projects have been conducted in areas like seismology, renewable energy, and Middle Eastern studies through the Faculty of World Studies. The university press, University of Tehran Press, is one of the nation's oldest and most prolific academic publishers.

Notable alumni and faculty

Its alumni include influential figures such as former President Mohammad Khatami, mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani (the first female Fields Medalist), and former Prime Minister Mir-Hossein Mousavi. Renowned faculty have included philosopher Ahmad Fardid, sociologist Ali Shariati, and literary scholar Abdolhossein Zarrinkoob. Other distinguished graduates are filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, chemist Ali Akbar Salehi, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi. The university has also educated numerous ministers, ambassadors, and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran.