The Position of Traditional Medicine in Cities and Villages of Iran (Late Qajar and Early Pahlavi Rule)

The implementation of modernization in the country by Reza Shah Pahlavi affected various aspects of Iranian life. One of the areas that evolved following the renovation was traditional medicine. During this period, modern medicine gradually replaced traditional medicine. Only in some remote areas, due to the lack of municipal institutions, this method of medicine was common. Because providing the ground for creating change in this field and passing from traditional to modern medicine in this period was the responsibility of the municipality.

The data of this research have been collected through library resources and the research method is descriptive-analytical. This research uses the data available in various historical sources to examine the position of traditional medicine in cities and villages in the late Qajar period and early Pahlavi rule.

During this period, many developments and advances in the field of modern medicine took place in Iran. The study of the status of traditional medicine in this era, despite many advances in the field of modern medicine, can be an answer to one of the most important issues in the social history of Iran.

As a result of the dominance of modern medicine as the dominant method of treating diseases, traditional medicine is influenced by factors such as demagoguery, mixing with some superstitions and lack of sufficient experience, as well as the abuse of traditional Iranian physicians to maintain their interests in society and refusal to change their ways and methods stagnated.