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Qajar dynasty

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The Qajar dynasty was a ruling family in Iran.

MohammadKhanQajari
MohammadKhanQajari

Long ago, they were a tribe of warriors and shepherds. They lived in northern Iran and were part of the Qizilbash confederacy. This group helped the Safavid state in the 1500s. For many years, they grew into a powerful royal family. They eventually became the leaders of the whole country.

Mohammad Khan stamp
Mohammad Khan stamp

Their rule lasted for 136 years.

This dynasty began with a leader named Mohammad Khan Qajar. He worked to unite the land between 1779 and 1796. After him, many different kings took the throne. Fath-Ali Shah Qajar ruled for 37 years starting in 1797.

Portrait of Fath Ali Shah Standing
Portrait of Fath Ali Shah Standing

Naser al-Din Shah was another very long-ruling leader. He stayed in power for 47 years.

Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, close up, with slight smile by Nadar (3x4 cropped)
Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, close up, with slight smile by Nadar (3x4 cropped)

These kings used grand titles to show their power. Some were called the "Shadow of God" on earth.

The Qajar family was very large and spread out.

Mozaffar-ed-Din Shah Qajar - 1
Mozaffar-ed-Din Shah Qajar - 1

Some members lived in Russia as nobles. They even served as officers in the Russian army. Other family members were famous in many different fields. For example, Princess Taj-al-Saltaneh helped start a movement for women's rights.

Abdol Majid Mirza portrait
Abdol Majid Mirza portrait

She was also the first woman in her country to write a memoir. Many descendants still meet today to stay connected.

The family built many beautiful places to live.

Paintings by Kamal-ol-molk in the Golestan Palace by Mardetanha 7959 21
Paintings by Kamal-ol-molk in the Golestan Palace by Mardetanha 7959 21

The Golestan Palace in Tehran was a main seat of power. They also built the Niavaran Palace Complex. These buildings were used for important meetings and royal life.

2011 Ahmad-Shahi Pavilion Tehran 6214852688 by Kamyar Adl
2011 Ahmad-Shahi Pavilion Tehran 6214852688 by Kamyar Adl

These grand homes showed the wealth of the dynasty. They are still important parts of Iranian history today.

Everything changed in the year 1925.

Ahmad Shah stamp
Ahmad Shah stamp

A group called the Majlis met in December of that year. They decided to end the rule of the Qajars. A man named Reza Shah became the new leader. He was a former general in the Persian Cossack Brigade. This event started a new era called the Pahlavi dynasty. The Qajar era had come to an end.

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🖼️ Images & Media (22)
File:Paintings by Kamal-ol-molk in the Golestan Palace by Mardetanha 7959 21.jpg
Paintings by Kamal-ol-molk in the...
File:MohammadKhanQajari.jpg
MohammadKhanQajari.jpg
File:Mohammad Khan stamp.jpg
Mohammad Khan stamp.jpg
File:Portrait of Fath Ali Shah Standing.jpg
Portrait of Fath Ali Shah Standing.jpg
File:Fat′h-Ali_Shah_stamp.jpg
Fat′h-Ali_Shah_stamp.jpg
File:Mohammad Shah.jpg
Mohammad Shah.jpg
File:Mohammad_Shah_stamp.jpg
Mohammad_Shah_stamp.jpg
File:Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, close up, with slight smile by Nadar (3x4 cropped).jpg
Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, close up, with...
File:Naser_al-Din_Shah_stamp.jpg
Naser_al-Din_Shah_stamp.jpg
File:Mozaffar-ed-Din Shah Qajar - 1.jpg
Mozaffar-ed-Din Shah Qajar - 1.jpg
File:Mozaffar_al-Din_Shah_stamp.jpg
Mozaffar_al-Din_Shah_stamp.jpg
File:Mohammad Ali Shah (3x4 cropped).jpg
Mohammad Ali Shah (3x4 cropped).jpg

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