Health and Medical Developments in Tabriz during the Transition to the Modern Era
Tārīkh-i pizishkī i.e., Medical History,
Vol. 18 (1405),
4 April 2026
,
Page 1-14
https://doi.org/10.22037/mhj.v18i.50115
Abstract
Background and Aim: Familiarity with Western advancements in various feilds, particularly medicine, paved the way for transformations in Iran. This process began in the early Qajar era following exposure to European achievements in health and medicine, but its effects-though limited-became apparent from the Constitutional Revolution to the mid-Pahlavi era. Despite this familiarity and efforts such as sending students abroad and developing education, public health condition and medical services did not improve significantly.
Methods: The primary sources of this research include newspapers, memoirs, documents and books which experienced significant growth during this era. Furthermore, recent studies in health and medicine from the past few decades have been utilized. The research method is descriptive-analytical and data were collected through library research.
Ethical Considerations: The principles of honesty and integrity have been strictly observed in this manuscript.
Results: Analysis of the data indicates that the spread of modern medicine, limited development of medical centers, enhancement of health education and training of human resources, did not result in a noticeable improvement in the health and medical care of Tabriz residents. Nevertheless, this period can be considered a transitional era toward modern health and medical approaches which laid the groundwork for future developments.
Conclusion: This article analyzes the state of health and medicine in Tabriz from the Constitutional Revolution to the end of the First Pahlavi reign, illustrating both achievements and shortcomings. The findings suggest that during this pivotal transition, the limited focus on three key areas-advancing medical education, developing health and medical infrastructure and charitable activities alongside attention to urban sanitation-played a fundamental role in the subsequent improvement of public health in later periods.
- Medical Education
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Tabriz
- Constitutional Period
- First Pahlavi Period
How to Cite
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