Touba Azmudeh (born 1878 – died September 23, 1936) is remembered as one of the most influential pioneers of women’s education in Iran. She was the visionary founder of the country’s first girls’ high school, an achievement that marked a turning point in the history of women’s rights and education in Iran.
Women’s Education after the Constitutional Revolution
Following the Constitutional Revolution of 1906, one of the most significant demands of reformist and women’s movements in Iran was the establishment of schools for girls. Before Azmudeh, Bibi Khanoom Astarabadi had founded the first girls’ primary school, Doshizegan School, in 1906. However, due to strong opposition and government restrictions, her efforts were short-lived.
In this challenging environment, Touba Azmudeh, the daughter of Mirza Hassan Khan, a military general, took bold steps to continue this mission despite opposition from both conservative forces and the ruling state.
Founding of Namous School
In 1907, Azmudeh established the Namous School in her own residence on Sanglaj Street in Tehran. Soon after, the school was relocated to Farmanfarma Street and later to Shahpour Street. Azmudeh’s determination and vision quickly expanded the scope of girls’ education: within a short period, she increased the number of girls’ schools in Tehran to six.
Expanding Girls’ Education in Iran
By 1914, more than 3,474 girls were enrolled in schools established under Azmudeh’s leadership — a groundbreaking achievement for the time. Her greatest milestone came in 1928, when she founded the first girls’ high school in Iran, also named Namous High School.
This institution soon became one of the most reputable and well-equipped secondary schools in Tehran. Among its first graduates were Turan Azmudeh, Fakhr-Ozma Arghoun, Bibi Khanoom Khalvati, Gilan Khan, Farkhondeh Khanoom, and Mehranoor Samiei — women who later played active roles in cultural and educational advancement.
Education for Adult Women
In addition to girls’ schools, Azmudeh also pioneered literacy classes for adult women, ensuring that education was not limited to the younger generation but reached women of all ages.
Legacy and Passing
Touba Azmudeh passed away in Tehran on September 23, 1936, at the age of 58. After her death, the management of Namous High School was taken over by Touba Meshkut Nafisi, and in 1940 the school was officially handed over to the Ministry of Culture.
Today, Touba Azmudeh is celebrated as a trailblazer in the history of women’s education in Iran — a woman who stood against social and political barriers to create opportunities for thousands of girls and women to learn and grow.
