SAEDNEWS: A selection of colorized images from the Qajar court’s Nowruz greeting ceremony at Naser al-Din Shah’s palace, showcasing beautifully arranged fruits, sweets, and the elegant guest room design that still captivates viewers today.
According to the Saed News historical service, during the reign of the first four Qajar kings, the “Nowruz Salam” (New Year’s greeting ceremony) gradually expanded in scale and magnificence, and its rituals became more detailed and carefully regulated—details that were executed with great precision and attention.
In the Salam ceremony, courtiers, military commanders, foreign ambassadors, and in some cases (especially during the reign of Fath-Ali Shah), ordinary citizens were also present. According to strict court customs, they paid respect to the Shah and offered congratulations on the occasion of Nowruz.
This ceremony reached its peak of grandeur and prosperity during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah. By this time, every position and arrangement had been carefully predetermined in advance—from the exact placement of the Shah’s hookah to the designated standing places of courtiers in the palace courtyard.
Below, you will find high-quality photographs of the Salam ceremony during the Qajar era of Naser al-Din Shah. These images were most likely taken by the famous Qajar-era photographer Antoin Sevruguin.
Nowruz Salam Ceremony
Courtiers individually paying respect and offering congratulations
General view of the ceremony
