Saed News: These Qajar-era photographs, taken over a hundred years ago, can be viewed time and again—each time revealing something new. From the details of clothing and facial features to various other elements, much has changed over the past century.
Among the collection of surviving photographs of Naser al-Din Shah, there is also a set of "selfies"—that is, photos the Shah took of himself. This particular photo, in which the Shah’s Western-style hat draws attention, is one of them. On the margin of the photo, there is the Shah’s own handwriting that reads:
Another of the Shah's selfies in which the phrase "I took it myself" can be seen at the bottom.
Gholamali Khan Aziz al-Soltan, known as "Malijak," was the most beloved person at court in the eyes of Naser al-Din Shah. He was the nephew of one of the Shah’s wives, Amina Aqdas, and from a young age, he attracted the Shah’s unusual and intense affection. This fondness was so strong that the Shah wouldn’t part with him even on his trips to Europe. In 1894 (1273 in the Iranian calendar), Malijak married one of Naser al-Din Shah’s daughters named Akhtar al-Dowleh. In this photo, Malijak is seen dancing among a group of women from the Shah’s harem. The photo was most likely taken by Naser al-Din Shah himself. It dates back to the late 1880s (late 1260s in the Iranian calendar).
This photo may reveal a glimpse of Naser al-Din Shah’s affection for Malijak. Here, Malijak has fallen ill, and the Shah, with a worried and sorrowful face, is seen holding him in his arms.
Another photo of Malijak from the same day of his illness; behind him sits one of the harem’s maidservants named "Jujuq," who was considered a nurse or "dada" (nanny) to Malijak.
