Comparison of the Characteristics of Endowment-educational Complexes in Ilkhanid and Timurid Period of Iran

Abstract

At the international level, the evolution of higher education in Muslim countries has not received much attention from educational scientists. The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of endowment-educational complexes in the two dynasties of Ilkhanid and Timurid kingdoms of Iran. The research method is historical comparative and researchers used documentary method to collect data and internal and external critique for content analysis. Findings showed that there are similarities in eight features between the endowment-educational complexes of the Ilkhanids and the Timurids. These features include: the influence of Iranian culture, social origin of the founders, role of endowment, curricula and content of courses, common teaching methods and welfare / educational facilities. Findings also indicate that the Ilkhanid period in terms of factors such as less influence of the religious system on the educational system, more modern spaces of educational complexes, academic freedoms, diversity in teaching methods, more scientific progress in sciences - such as mathematics, astronomy and Medicine - and use of more famous and creative scientists, has prevailed over the Timurid period. The findings of this research revealed the need for politicians and educational planners of Iran and Muslim countries to reconsider the role of endowment phenomenon and public participation to reduce the economic challenges of educational system.