The Influence of the Trip to China and Japan on the Formation of Mihdī Qulī Hidāyat Reformation Thought

Paper Abstract: Mihdi Quli Hidayat(1863-1955)is an important person (a politician, educator and scholar) in the modern history of Iran. He is both a witness and a participant of major historical events.The  historical writings left by him are important materials for us to understand the important incidents in Iran's modern history, especially those reflecting the influence and performance of his thoughts in the historical process of Iran. This article attemps to analyze his personal account of his travels around the world before his officially entering into Iran's high-level decision-making spheres-"Safarnamehye Tasharof bi Maccehye Mu'azami,inferring that this tour had a significant impact on his later attitudes and performances in Iran's social reforms,such as advancing constitutionnal monarchy, maintaining traditional core values, opposing Western values,etc. His thoughts were formed by  his investigation of China and Japan, and the comparison and reflection of the situation of China,Japan and Iran in that era.