Hassan Abdel-Rahman

Egyptian educator who founded the first Arabic-language women's school in Cairo.

Hassan Abdel-Rahman (1840–1905) revolutionized education in Egypt by establishing the Al-Azhar Women's School in 1882—the first institution offering formal education to girls in Arabic. Born into a family of scholars, he challenged traditional Islamic interpretations that restricted women's learning. His curriculum included science, mathematics, and literature alongside religious studies, attracting students from across North Africa. Despite opposition from conservative clerics, his school became a model for later educational reforms. Abdel-Rahman also authored "Maktabat al-Nisa", a textbook series for female students. His efforts laid groundwork for modern Egyptian education systems.

Abdel-Rahman's legacy is commemorated in Cairo's historical archives and his writings remain preserved in the Egyptian National Museum. His approach blended Islamic values with progressive ideals, influencing figures like Qasim Amin, the father of Egyptian feminism.