SAEDNEWS: These are two rarely seen photographs of the women of Naser al-Din Shah's harem. The images capture all of the women gathered together on the occasion of hosting a foreign guest, offering a rare glimpse into life inside the royal court during the Qajar era.
According to the historical section of Saed News, these remarkable photographs from the Qajar era were taken more than a century ago, yet they continue to captivate viewers. Each time they are examined, new details emerge—from the clothing styles and facial expressions to the countless aspects of daily life that have changed dramatically over the past hundred years.
The woman seen without a headscarf in the center of the photograph was one of the royal court's foreign guests, most likely the wife of a foreign ambassador. As the head of the royal harem, Anis al-Dowleh was responsible for hosting and entertaining these distinguished visitors. In a handwritten note at the top margin of the photograph, Naser al-Din Shah wrote:
"A group of our women and the guests of Anis al-Dowleh... Madame Pelou and her child are also in the middle."
Another photograph shows the Eshratabad Palace, a residence commissioned by Naser al-Din Shah. The palace was primarily used for celebrations, leisure activities, and royal gatherings outside the city, serving as one of the monarch's favored recreational retreats.
These rare images provide a fascinating glimpse into the social life, architecture, and customs of the Qajar period, preserving moments from a bygone era that continue to offer valuable historical insight.
