Journal of Modern Researches in Islam and Iran History Studies

Journal of Modern Researches in Islam and Iran History Studies

Evaluation of the cultural and public benefit activities of the Forest Movement with an emphasis on the Forest Newspaper

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Master of Arts in History of the Islamic Revolution, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Kharazmi University, TEHRAN, IRAN
2 Assistant Professor, Department of History, Kharazmi University, TEHRAN, IRAN
10.22034/nriihs.2026.2088059.1085
Abstract
This research evaluates the cultural and public interest activities of the Forest Movement in Gilan, relying on the Forest Newspaper from 1917 to 1921. The Forest Movement, as one of the important movements of the Constitutional Era, sought social, cultural, and political reforms, and the Forest Newspaper, as the main media of the movement, was considered one of the main sources of its knowledge. This newspaper played a fundamental role in explaining the goals and expanding the cultural discourse of the movement. The aim of the present research is to examine the cultural content of this newspaper and evaluate its impact on the social and cultural activities of the movement. The research findings show that the Forest Movement played an active role in implementing numerous reform measures such as providing security, organizing finances, improving roads and bridges, establishing a post office, and supporting refugees from World War I. The Forest Newspaper, in addition to playing an informational role, also played an effective role in crisis management and promoting public welfare. On the other hand, the Forest Movement gained a privileged position in the expansion of cultural and educational discourse and took an important step in the social development of the region by establishing schools, promoting free and equal education for girls and boys, educating children, and even paying attention to compulsory sports. In this regard, the Forest Newspaper has played a role in strengthening the spirit of nationalism, justice, and social identity of the movement by publishing poems and cultural materials. In general, the Forest Movement, by implementing cultural and public benefit programs in Gilan and by reflecting these activities in the Forest Newspaper, not only established its political image, but was also influential in the cultural-educational direction of Gilan society.
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  • Receive Date 05 May 2026
  • Revise Date 12 May 2026
  • Accept Date 01 June 2026
  • Publish Date 01 June 2026