SAEDNEWS: After entering the restroom, the Sultan Sahibqeran searched carefully but could not find anything resembling our traditional “mawāl.” Instead, he came across a large bowl whose purpose was completely unclear to him.
According to a report cited by Saed News, and originally reported by Asr-e Iran, it is said that when Naser al-Din Shah traveled on his first European tour, he was received at the Palace of Versailles by the King of France—one of those Louis kings who have since been turned into furniture today.
After the formal dinner ceremony, His Majesty, the “Sahibqeran,” needed to use the restroom and was guided by a servant toward one of the toilets in the palace.
Once inside, the Shah searched but could not find anything resembling the traditional “moval” (a type of Persian lavatory). Instead, he saw a large bowl-like fixture whose purpose was unclear. His pride prevented him from asking the French servant what to do, so he relied on his own judgment: he spread his handkerchief on the floor and proceeded there.
After finishing, he was left with a foul-smelling handkerchief. Looking around, he noticed a window high on the wall, out of reach. He tied the four corners of the cloth around its contents, held it like a bundle, and after swinging it several times to gain momentum, threw it toward the open window in an attempt to dispose of the evidence.
Apparently, his aim was not accurate. The handkerchief struck the wall, burst open, and its contents splattered across the walls and ceiling, making the situation even worse than before.
At that point, the Shah had no choice but to set aside his pride. He left the restroom and showed a servant outside a bag of gold coins, saying he would give it to him if he cleaned up the mess.
It is said the French servant bowed and replied that he would gladly offer twice that amount to His Majesty if he would explain how he managed to get the ceiling in such a state in the first place.
