Rozita Miri
Maktab Khane (old-fashion primary school) was the first knowledge learning place. Its history backs to the beginning of the Islamic era to the end of the Qajar reign. Maktab Khane (Primary Schools) In Qajar era, divided into three categories: Akhund Baji schools, Public schools and Private schools. Akhund Bashi schools was managed by a wise woman, and children between 4 to 7 years learned Quran small chapters with Alphabet and also they read other books which was different based on time, space, schools and students. Books were not selected by the specific rule. The content of the books was not matched to the child talent. These schools were optional.
The public Schools were established in most cities and villages and many middle class students studied there. It was not necessary who entered to these schools, certainly passed the Akhund Bashi schools.
The third categories are the private schools. The rich people sent children there and some of them used tutors to teach their children at home. Maktab Khane may be established in anywhere such as house, mosque and shop which was not appropriate. The floor covered by mat, wad and old carpet and everybody had to bring mattress with own self. Students laid the mattress around the room and sat on them. There were no bench as well as black board and chalk, and instead of these tools, they used tablet, Rahl and other things. Teacher, Mullah and Akhund sat on top of the room and there was a box in front of him. He/ she punished students by two long and short sticks and sometimes took a hookah. Children disgusted to go to school, because of physical punishment such as bastinado and imprisoning in a dark and moist chamber, which was called dungeon. Gradually, Maktab Khane was converted to school and important schools were established like Dar-al Fanon. Although there were the corporal punishments in the schools, children continued their studying and some of them converted to the significantscientists and important persons.
