In 1975, Ahmadinejad was admitted to the Iran University of Science and Technology, where he studied civil engineering. He was an active student, engaging in political discussions and participating in Islamic student associations. The 1979 Iranian Revolution, which led to the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of the Islamic Republic, was a transformative period for Ahmadinejad. He became involved with revolutionary groups and continued his academic pursuits, earning a master’s degree and later a doctorate in transportation engineering and planning in 1989. Following his Ph.D., he joined the faculty at the Iran University of Science and Technology.
Early Political Career
Ahmadinejad’s political career began in the 1980s when he served as the governor of Maku and Khoy in West Azerbaijan Province. In 1993, he was appointed the first Governor of Ardabil, a position he held until 1997. His governance focused on infrastructure development and economic projects aimed at improving the region’s living standards.
In 1999, he ran unsuccessfully for the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) but remained active in conservative political circles. In 2003, he was elected Mayor of Tehran, a position that brought him national recognition. As mayor, he promoted conservative Islamic values, rolling back many of the reforms introduced by previous administrations. He also implemented urban development projects and prioritized public transportation, although some of his policies were criticized for being ideologically driven rather than pragmatic.