SAEDNEWS: Below, you will discover five rarely seen photographs from the Qajar era, offering a fascinating glimpse into Yalda Night celebrations. These images capture everything from the traditions of ordinary families to festivities inside the royal harem, featuring the women of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar dressed in distinctive and elegant attire.
According to the historical section of Saed News, these photographs from the Qajar era, now more than a century old, can be viewed repeatedly, with each viewing revealing new details. From the styles of clothing and the expressions on people's faces to countless other elements, these images preserve aspects of life that have changed dramatically over the past hundred years.
Baghban-Bashi in Traditional Chinese Dress:
Baghban-Bashi, whose nickname came from her father's occupation as a gardener, was celebrated as one of the most beautiful women in Naser al-Din Shah's harem. The king was known to have shown her special affection and attention.
This photograph shows a group of Naser al-Din Shah's wives alongside guests who had come from outside the royal palace, gathered one day before the Persian New Year (Nowruz).
Naser al-Din Shah personally wrote a note along the upper margin of this photograph:
"In the inner courtyard of the Shahrestanak harem; Haji Rahim with his devoted duck."
Haji Rahim was one of the eunuchs serving in the royal harem. A duck had become unusually attached to him and followed him wherever he went. In this image, the duck stands facing Haji Rahim while he looks back at the bird, capturing an endearing and unexpected moment from palace life.
A photograph documenting the celebration of Yalda Night, one of Iran's oldest and most cherished traditions, as observed in Tehran during the Qajar period.
