The Maktab-Khaneh (Traditional School) of Sayyid Orphans was one of the oldest and most prominent schools in the city of Mashhad, with its origins dating back to the era of Shah Tahmasp Safavi. This maktab-khaneh holds a significant place in the history of religious education within Astan Quds Razavi and the transition from traditional to modern educational styles in Mashhad. Established near the shrine of Imam Reza with the aim of educating orphaned children, particularly Sayyids, it continued its operations through various endowments until the late Qajar period, eventually transforming into a modern school.

The main research question revolves around the transformation of the educational system in Astan Quds from a maktab-khaneh to a modern school, the transition from tradition to modernity, and the challenges associated with this process.

Findings from this research, based on archival documents and press sources, indicate that in 1319 AH, Nasir al-Mulk, influenced by modern schools such as Hemmat and the Adab journal, attempted to convert the Maktab-Khaneh of Sayyid Orphans into a modern school. However, his reform efforts remained incomplete. Later, in 1327 AH, Sadr al-Mamalek, as part of his reforms in Astan Quds, renovated the Maktab-Khaneh of Sayyid Orphans and reopened it as Madreseh-ye Sadriyeh in Bagh-e Tawliat. This school marked the transition from the traditional maktab-khaneh system to a modern educational institution, undergoing changes in management, teaching methods, and curriculum.