Discover the unique fusion of history and science at the Iranian National Museum of Medical Sciences History. Located on the edges of the heart of Tehran, in the Yusuf Abad district, this distinctive attraction showcases the evolution of medical sciences in Iran.
About the Museum
Housed in a Qajar-era building that was once a royal stable during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, this museum offers a fascinating insight into the development of medical sciences in Iran. Established by Amir Kabir for keeping royal horses, this place is renowned as the Royal Stable. The plan for the museum was submitted to the National Cultural Heritage Organization in 1997 and was eventually inaugurated in 2001.
Prehistoric Life Photo Gallery
The human life on Earth is divided into two periods – the Prehistoric and the Historic. The Prehistoric era begins approximately 2 million years ago and continues until about 5,000 years ago. The Historic era begins around the time writing was invented, approximately 5,000 years ago.
The Prehistoric era is divided into four periods:
- Paleolithic (Old Stone Age): From 2 million years ago to approximately 18,000 years ago.
- Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age): From 18,000 years ago to 10,000 years ago.
- Neolithic (New Stone Age): From 10,000 years ago to about 5,000 years ago.
- Chalcolithic (Copper Stone Age): From 5,000 years ago (this varies among different countries).
The Historical era: From 5,000 years ago, beginning with the invention of writing.
Significant Exhibits in This Section
One of the most significant exhibits is the natural mummy of a 65-year-old woman dating back to approximately 900 years ago, discovered in Yazd.
Mummification techniques were employed in Egypt to preserve the body due to the belief in “Ka” (the Egyptians believed that the human spirit or “Ka” existed in the body even after death). However, in Iran, both before and after the advent of Islam, mummification was not considered permissible according to religious beliefs and laws. Nevertheless, examples of naturally mummified bodies have been found in Iran, which can be attributed to specific environmental conditions. These conditions may include high percentages of salt in the soil, low humidity, and the absence of microorganisms.
One such body, which has been largely preserved from decay, is that of a 65-year-old woman discovered near Yazd. This body, dating back approximately 900 years, has been preserved due to specific environmental conditions.
Explore the Museum
The museum is categorized into eight sections, each dedicated to a specific field of medical science:
- Medical tools and instruments
- History of Dentistry
- History of Nursing and Midwifery
- Pharmacy (Military Pharmacy)
- History of Veterinary Medicine
- Anthropology
- Manuscripts and medical documents
- Medical history during the Holy Defense era
Experience a 1-2 hour immersive journey through the ages as you explore these fascinating exhibits from Saturday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
How to Get There
By Private Vehicle:
Located on North Kargar Street, 16th Street (Farshi Moghaddam), the museum is opposite the Physical Education University, at gate number 2 of the North Campus of the University of Tehran.
By Metro:
Take line 7 and alight at Tarbiat Modares station. From there, it is an 800-meter walk to the museum, located on North Kargar Street, 16th Street, at the entrance of number 2 North Campus of the University of Tehran, opposite the Physical Education University Building.
Location:
North Kargar Street, 16th Street (Farshi Moghaddam), Entrance number 2, North Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Take a deep dive into the rich medical history of Iran at the Iranian National Museum of Medical Sciences History. This extraordinary museum is not just a destination but a journey through time, witnessing the evolution of medical sciences in Iran.