Educational schools in Irevan Governorate (1850-1917 ye)

Abstract

The nineteenth century marks a pivotal period in Azerbaijan's history of pedagogical thought and public education, particularly in the Irevan governorate, which was a significant administrative-territorial unit of Northern Azerbaijan during Tsarist Russia (1850-1917). Despite the historical importance of this region's educational development, there are still research gaps, mainly from the historical point of view. Consequently, this study examines the evolution of the educational system in the Irevan governorate, focusing on the transition from traditional religious institutions to modern educational establishments. The research reveals that while the 1830s saw relatively favorable conditions for educational development in the South Caucasus, including Azerbaijan and its governorates, the Tsarist administration's policies often disregarded local conditions and national factors. The establishment of local school directorates facilitated the expansion of educational networks, leading to the progressive development of uyezd schools, urban institutions, pro-gymnasiums, and gymnasiums, primarily in Irevan, Nakhchivan, and Alexandropol cities. However, the imperial educational policies deliberately created divisions among ethnic and religious groups, prioritizing Russian Orthodox interests over local populations. These findings, based on previously unexamined Russian-language sources, provide crucial insights into the complex educational development of a territory, contributing to our understanding of regional educational history.