SAEDNEWS: Everyone in Tehran joined these magnificent celebrations. It wasn’t just the city’s nobles and wealthy who attended — even the poor and ordinary soldiers took part in the public feasts held across different neighborhoods.
According to SAEDNEWS: Erla Serna writes about the legendary wedding of Esmat-od-Dowleh — the very popular 9-year-old daughter of Naser al-Din Shah — as follows:
This princess, named Esmat-od-Dowleh, married the son of Doost Ali Khan Moayer al-Mamalek — who at that time was the country’s treasurer and one of the respected men of the nation, known for many virtues. The groom’s father, being very wealthy and generous, wanted to make the splendor and grandeur of his son’s wedding to the beloved daughter of the Shah famous among everyone and covered all the wedding expenses from his own deep pockets.
It is said that very elaborate celebrations were held in Tehran on this occasion. The memories of that ceremony remain vivid and almost legendary to this day. The stories told about those gatherings show how dazzling that wedding was and how much it impressed everyone; so much so that this wedding is considered a historical landmark for Iranians of that time.
Erla Serna reports about the matchmaking ceremony for this union: When Doost Ali Khan proposed to the Shah’s daughter for his son Agha Amir, he also presented an impressive gift of two million qerans (currency) to the Shah. The proposal was immediately accepted because Naser al-Din Shah had no courtier more loyal and devoted than Doost Ali Khan, who was also immensely wealthy and respected. This state treasurer moved millions of money back and forth as easily as if using a shovel. He loved money not for hoarding but to improve life.
For this reason, his court was magnificent and royal in every aspect. His splendid palace and beautiful summer residence were among the best buildings in the country. From Naser al-Din Shah’s perspective — who admired the personality, status, and grandeur of Moayer al-Mamalek — he was the most distinguished father-in-law. The groom, too, was worthy and tried to follow in his father’s footsteps. As a young teenager, Agha Amir showed intelligence and promise for a brilliant future. Thus, it can be said the bride and groom were very well matched and suitable for each other.
Erla Serna describes the participants of the wedding ceremony: Once the marriage was finalized, the planning and formalities of the wedding — which in Iran are very important — began. Moayer al-Mamalek sent the highest quality gifts for his son’s fiancée. Sending gifts and presents marked the beginning of the wedding celebrations, which usually lasted for 10 days.
All the people of Tehran participated in these magnificent celebrations, and not only the nobles and wealthy of Tehran were invited, but even the poor and the common soldiers of Tehran also took part in the public feasts held in various neighborhoods.
She also writes about the dowry and bridal gifts of this grand wedding: The dowry, lavish and complete, was carried by camels and mules to the house prepared for the bride. Transporting these belongings took 10 days. On the tenth day, on large silver trays, the bride’s jewelry was carried along with five million gold coins — which constituted her dowry — to the new home.
Erla Serna also records about the bride’s mount for going to her marital home: Finally, after sunset, a white elephant adorned with a beautiful howdah was brought to take the bride to the bridal chamber, stopping in front of the palace gate. Naser al-Din Shah, fearing the elephant might be unruly, asked Doost Ali Khan to sit next to the mahout (elephant rider). A large entourage accompanied the bride. All the elites of the capital wanted to escort the Shah’s daughter to her new home.
The route from the palace to the groom’s house was fully illuminated. The city’s soldiers were all armed, each carrying a lit candle in the barrel of their guns. The city walls were decorated with expensive fabrics and Kashmiri shawls, and precious carpets were laid along the path under the bride’s feet.
The marketplace lighting was legendary. Doost Ali Khan had sent thousands of candles in advance to flood the market with light. People never remembered such a beautiful and dazzling day in Tehran. This wedding was the most expensive marriage ceremony during the Qajar period.
