Abstract
Expansion of Iranians’ relationships with the West and introduction of Western thoughts to the Iran of Qajar Era in the 19th triggered reactions in different social classes. Consequently, the Iranian reformists and intellectuals became the supporters of social changes and reformations to fill the gap between Iran and European countries. Their attempts encountered oppositions by the traditionalists, which led to challenges for modernization and westernization. Prince Aligholi Mirza Etezadalsaltaneh was one of the intellectuals of this era who held an office in Naserdinshah’s Administration thanks to being a member of the royal family. As the head of Darolfonon (a higher education school) and Minister of Sciences, Industries, Commerce, and Mines he took some measures in his field of power. The measures included promoting new sciences and technologies, reforming education system, sending Iranian students to European countries, publishing newspapers, expanding telegraph services, and regulating and developing businesses, factories, and mines. These measures were effective to some extents on filling the gap between Iran and European countries. In addition to these measures, his belief in reformations based on Western countries style, adopting modern historiography styles, publishing latest scientific findings in newspapers, and fighting superstitious beliefs all highlight Etezadalsaltaneh’s modern thoughts and his tendency to modernism. He played a notable role in promoting modern thoughts, enlightening, expanding freedom, and awakening Iranian society. The present paper surveys Aligholi Mirza Etezadalsaltaneh’s measures and thoughts and highlights his position, role, and influence with regard to development and modernization of Iran in Qajar era.