Iran Scout Organization

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Iran Scout Organization (Sazman-e Pishahengi-ye Iran) is Iran’s Scouting body. It began in 1925 under Reza Shah Pahlavi, started by volunteers and led by Mirza Ahmad Aminzadeh. In 1928 it became a department of the Ministry of Education and was recognized by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). The movement grew, with the first leadership courses held in 1935 at Camp Manzariyeh and the development of Scouting laws and promises that summer.

World War II brought disruptions, and Scouting in Iran paused after 1941. In 1943 the government again took control and invited an American expert to help manage Scouting, but progress remained slow for several years. The movement revived more fully after 1952. In 1953 Dr. Hossein Banai became commissioner and restarted leader training. Iran rejoined WOSM in 1955. The first National Jamboree was held in 1956, and by the late 1950s tens of thousands of boys joined Scouting.

In 1958 Iran’s parliament recognized Scouting as an independent national association. That year and the following years saw large jamborees with international participants, the creation of Scout facilities, and the designation of Manzariyeh as an international training center. By 1961 Iran had about 21,829 Scouts. The 1960s brought more national Congresses and international events, including the Middle East Rover Moot in 1965. Dr. Banai received the Bronze Wolf award in 1965 for his service to world Scouting. The movement continued to grow, with new headquarters in 1973 and extensive training and community projects. In 1975 Iran reportedly had over 262,000 Scouts and hosted regional events such as the Asia-Pacific Jamboree.

The 1979 Islamic Revolution disrupted Scouting. The planned 15th World Jamboree for Nishapur was canceled amid upheaval. In the 1980s, government restrictions and wars reduced Scouting activity, and in 1987 the Iranian parliament canceled the Iran Scout Organization. In 1999, the World Organization of the Scout Movement removed Iran from membership because there was no national organization at that time.

In 2003, Mohsen Zanjani, a former Scout, led a revival effort and rebuilt Scouting in Iran. The Iran Scout Organization was relaunched as a non-governmental group focused on youth development, training, and non-political activities. Its constitution states that all activities are voluntary, educational, non-political, and non-profit, open to all young people without discrimination. The current practice emphasizes modest dress and behavior in line with Islamic guidelines.

Mottoes and terms:
- Cub Scout motto: Koushesh Kon! (Try Hard)
- Cub Scouts were called Shirbach’cheh (Lion’s Cubs)
- Scout motto: Aamaadeh Baash (Be Prepared)
- Scouts: Pishahangi Pesharan; Senior Scouts are Salaran
- Outdoors Code emphasizes care for the environment, fire safety, and courtesy
- The ISO emblem and symbols in Iran have changed over time to reflect the country’s political climate, showing shifts from monarchy to Islamic governance

Note: Iran is not currently a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.