Islamic Azad University in Iran's Scientific and Cultural System Based on the Discourses of Imam Khomeini and the Supreme Leader

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student in Political Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran. Associate Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract
As one of the largest higher education institutions in Iran, the Islamic Azad University has played a significant role in the scientific, cultural, and social development of the Islamic Republic. According to the strategic perspectives of the founders of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini and Ayatollah Khamenei, the university is seen as a stronghold for the realization of Islamic civilization and the training of committed, expert individuals. This study aims to analyze the role of the Islamic Azad University in the national scientific and cultural system based on the strategic viewpoints of both leaders of the Islamic Revolution and to propose a conceptual framework for its civilizational mission. The research is fundamental in nature and employs a qualitative methodology using thematic analysis. Data were collected through library and documentary studies, focusing on 15 selected speeches by Imam Khomeini and Ayatollah Khamenei concerning universities, science, culture, and the Islamic Azad University. Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s six-step approach and was conducted using MAXQDA software. Findings reveal that the university, as perceived by the revolutionary leaders, plays a crucial role in democratizing access to higher education, promoting educational justice, enhancing scientific autonomy, resisting cultural hegemony, and nurturing revolutionary human capital. The analysis identified 10 main themes, 21 subthemes, and 99 initial codes, highlighting core concepts such as people-oriented governance, scientific self-sufficiency, Islamic cultural development, and the university’s civilizational role. The study concludes that the Islamic Azad University holds a strategic position in achieving the scientific and cultural goals of the Islamic Revolution. Through reforming cultural policies and strengthening knowledge capacities, it can fulfill its mission as a civilizational institution.

Keywords


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