SAEDNEWS: Naser al-Din Shah was the first Iranian king to travel to a Christian country. At the age of 43, with 25 years of rule over Iran behind him, Naser al-Din Shah set foot in Europe. His trips to the West had a significant impact on changing the clothing and behavior of Iranians.
According to SAEDNEWS, Naser al-Din Shah's first trip began on April 19, 1873, marking the first time an Iranian king traveled to Europe. Prior to him, no Iranian monarch had set foot in a Christian country. At the time, Naser al-Din Shah was 43 years old, and 25 years had passed since his reign over Iran. This trip had been arranged upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister, Mirza Hossein Khan Sepahsalar. Naser al-Din Shah made three trips to European countries during his reign: the first in 1873 (1290 AH), the second in 1877 (1295 AH), and the third from 1889 to 1890 (1306-1307 AH).
During his travels, the Qajar king not only took photographs of various places and landscapes but also recorded his observations and memories every night, which were later published. Throughout the trip, he was invited to court dances, concerts, operas, and other performances. He listened for hours to speeches given in his honor during official ceremonies.
For his hospitality, a traditional Iranian-style bath was constructed in part of the Queen Victoria Palace baths in London. Lord Sidney, the minister of the court, visited the bath before the king's arrival in London.
However, as seen in the photo, even during his European travels, he did not abandon his habit of sitting on a throne and placing others on carpets.
