The Hosseinieh Ershad or Hosseiniyeh Ershad (Persian: حسینیه ارشاد) is a prominent cultural and religious institution located on Shariati Avenue in Tehran, Iran. Established in the early 1960s, it was designed to serve as a non-traditionalist venue for lectures and discussions on history, culture, society, and religion, appealing to an educated audience compared to traditional mosques.^[1]

Hosseiniyeh Ershad was founded in the early 1960s by Nasser Minachi, who envisioned it as a center for intellectual and cultural discourse. The institution quickly gained prominence due to its non-traditionalist approach, offering lectures and discussions on a variety of topics.^[2]

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the center became a focal point for revolutionary activities against the Pahlavi government. Ali Shariati, a Sorbonne-educated sociologist and one of the most influential Islamic intellectuals of the 20th century, delivered many of his renowned lectures at the institution, attracting a large following among students and intellectuals. Shariati's speeches were instrumental in shaping revolutionary thought and the Islamic revival movement in Iran.^[2]

In 1972, the Pahlavi government shut down Hosseiniyeh Ershad due to its political activities. However, after the Iranian Revolution in 1979, it reopened and has since continued to serve as a hub for cultural and religious education.^[3] Its library, which contained approximately 60,000 volumes and 350 periodical subscriptions as of the early 1990s, remains a significant resource for students, researchers, and the local community.^[4]

Hosseiniyeh Ershad has been a platform for many influential figures to address the public on topics related to culture, religion, and society. Some of the most notable speakers include:

• Ali Shariati: A sociologist and Islamic intellectual who gave groundbreaking lectures at the institution during the late 1960s and early 1970s, inspiring revolutionary thought among Iran's youth.^[2]
• Morteza Motahhari: A prominent Islamic scholar and philosopher whose talks at Hosseiniyeh Ershad emphasized the importance of Islamic principles in modern society.^[2]
• Nasser Minachi: The founder of Hosseiniyeh Ershad, who frequently spoke about the importance of intellectual freedom and cultural dialogue.^[2]

The institution continues to host lectures by contemporary scholars, intellectuals, and public figures, making it a vital venue for cultural and religious dialogue in Tehran.^[3]

• Husayniyya
• Ali Shariati
• Iranian Revolution

• Hosseiniyeh Ershad Digital Library
• Photograph of Hosseiniyeh Ershad