SAEDNEWS: Saltanatabad Mansion was one of the summer palaces of Naser al-Din Shah of the Qajar dynasty. Its construction was completed around 1886–1887 CE (1265 in the Solar Hijri calendar).
According to the history section of the Saed News analytical news agency, the Sāltanatābād Mansion was one of the most important summer palaces of the Qajar era. It was built during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah in a pleasant, cool-climate area in northeastern Tehran. The palace served as the seasonal residence of the Shah and his entourage. In addition to rest and leisure, it also had ceremonial and court-related functions. Because of its architecture, garden design, and geographic location, Sāltanatābād is regarded as a symbol of Qajar court lifestyle and the Shah’s inclination toward creating luxurious spaces outside the city center.
Naser al-Din Shah, one of the earliest Persian monarchs interested in photography, used the Sāltanatābād Mansion as one of the main locations for taking court photographs. Among the surviving images from this palace, the frequent presence of the Shah’s wives and harem women on the marble staircase is particularly notable. This location appears to have been favored for photography due to its visual appeal, suitable lighting, and architectural grandeur. These photographs are now valuable historical documents of the private life of the Qajar court and Naser al-Din Shah’s aesthetic vision of his surroundings.
Anis al-Dawla, one of the most beloved and influential wives of Naser al-Din Shah, on the marble staircase
The gardener-bashi and a Circassian figure beside the marble steps
A group of women on the marble staircase, including Aziz al-Soltan among them
A group of women on the marble staircase from a wider view
Aaliyah Khanum on the marble staircase
