See the Signatures of 7 Qajar Kings / From Nasser al-Din Shah to Fath Ali Shah + Photo

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Saed News: Most interesting of all, as expected, is the signature of Nasser al-Din Shah. What makes it unique is that it is in English and written in his own handwriting in the guestbook of Madame Tussauds Museum.

See the Signatures of 7 Qajar Kings / From Nasser al-Din Shah to Fath Ali Shah + Photo

According to the history section of Saed News, quoting Khabar Online, although nearly 100 years have passed since the fall of the Qajar dynasty—and even more since the reign of the six kings before Sultan Ahmad Shah—they remain subjects of historical research. This is especially true as films and series continue to be made about them, particularly Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar. The latest of these is Jeyran, which focuses on Nasser al-Din Shah’s lover and is currently airing on a home streaming network.

Recently, the website Tarikh Ma published an image showcasing the seals and signatures of seven Qajar kings in chronological order:

  1. Seal of Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar

  2. Seal of Fath Ali Shah

  3. Seal of Mohammad Shah

  4. Signature of Nasser al-Din Shah

  5. Seal of Mozaffar al-Din Shah

  6. Signature of Mohammad Ali Shah

  7. Signature of Sultan Ahmad Shah

The most intriguing among them, as expected, is the signature of Nasser al-Din Shah. What makes it remarkable is that it is in English and written in his own handwriting in the guestbook of Madame Tussauds Museum.

Unlike his predecessors, Nasser al-Din Shah distinguished himself by shaving his beard, traveling abroad, learning foreign languages, and appreciating poetry and literature. His unique approach is also evident in his signature—at least in a foreign museum.

It is important to note that Nasser al-Din Shah did not sign official domestic decrees in English. That specific handwriting was exclusive to his visits abroad. Additionally, in Qajar administration, royal decrees were authenticated primarily by the official seal, not merely by the king’s signature. (This explanation and text are sourced from Asr Iran.)

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the last Qajar king’s name was "Sultan Ahmad," which does not conflict with the title "Shah." The word "Mirza," traditionally used for princes (when placed at the end of a name as a mark of respect), should have been dropped after his ascension to the throne. However, "Sultan Ahmad" remained his official name, making "Sultan Ahmad Shah" the correct title.

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