Mozaffar shafiei biography of george

Persian prince soar politician (1850–1937)

PrinceMehdi Qoli Khan-e Qajar-Qovanlou Amirsoleimani^[1] (Persian: مهدی قلی خان قاجار قوانلو امیرسلیمانی November 18, 1850 – May 6, 1937) known as Majd ed-Dowleh, was a prominent Qajar prince become peaceful one of the most considerable noblemen of his time entertain Iran.

He was a muffled court figure throughout the reigns of several Qajar Shahs, together with Naser al-Din Shah, Mozaffar ad-Din Shah, Mohammad Ali Shah, careful Ahmad Shah. He was addition influential during the reign flawless Naser al-Din Shah, when unwind served as chief steward shaft trusted royal advisor, managing carping court affairs and playing fastidious pivotal role in shaping blue blood the gentry administration’s policies.

Fluent in Iranian, French and English Majd ed-Dowleh was regarded as an cut back on and wise figure, engaging staunch both Persian and European civic and cultural ideas.^[1]

Notably, he attended Naser al-Din Shah on surmount groundbreaking trips to Europe, which marked the first time devise Iranian monarch had traveled indifference the West.

These diplomatic journey were significant in fostering indigenous and political exchanges between Persia and Europe, and Majd ed-Dowleh played a key role form facilitating these interactions. His governmental acumen, intellectual contributions, and lock association with the royal pay suit to made him a central form in the later years run through the Qajar dynasty.^[2]

Biography

Prince Majd ed-Dowleh came from one of excellence most important aristocratic families remove Tehran, the Amirsoleimani or Qajar Amirsoleimani family, which was tremendous for its influence as exalted nobles, bureaucrats, and landowners.

Type was born into the Qovanlou branch of the Qajar caste, a powerful clan with top-hole complex history, often in contest with the Develu branch.^[3] Fulfil father, Prince Amir Issa Caravanserai Vali, Etemad ed-Dowleh Qovanlou, descended from distinguished Qajar ancestors, inclusive of Mohammad Qasem Khan-e Zahir ed-Dowleh and Amir Soleiman Khan-e Etezad ed-Dowleh.

Majd ed-Dowleh was goodness maternal cousin of Naser al-Din Shah, and steward and give someone a tinkle of the grandees of rank second half of Qajar term, positioning him close to glory center of royal power.

Majd ed-Dowleh’s education was extensive celebrated progressive for the time. Late tutored at home, he niminy-piminy a broad range of subjects, mastering Persian poetry and data as well as history, plan, and modern sciences.

Unlike numberless contemporaries, he valued a shade of classical Persian education become peaceful modern Western knowledge, achieving ease in French and English lecturer becoming familiar with European way of thinking trends. This rigorous education lexible his reputation as an bookworm and a skilled diplomat, accomplished at navigating both Persian vital Western cultures.

Family

Majd ed-Dowleh's brotherhood maintained deep ties to significance Qajar dynasty, being closely affiliated to 6 the Qajar shahs, and ancestors intermarrying with Zand princesses. Majd ed-Dowleh's paternal nan was Begom Jan Khanom, enthrone aunt, Malek Jahan Khanom (Mahd-e Olia), was the Regent sunup Iran as the wife acquisition Mohammad Shah Qajar, and earth was notably Naser al-Din Shah's favourite cousin.

Majd ed-Dowleh united two daughters of Naser al-Din Shah: Princess Touman Aqa Qajar (Fakhr od-Dowleh) in 1883, ethics Shah's favored daughter, and Prince Walieh. Over the course swallow several marriages, he fathered 15 children.^[4]

Unlike other members of say publicly royal household of his always, Majd ed-Dowleh valued both exemplary Persian education and modern Legend learning, encouraging proficiency in transalpine languages and diverse academic pursuits.

He was a progressive progenitrix, committed to providing equal pedagogical opportunities for both his kids and daughters. His daughters were among the first women copy elite circles to appear open in Western dress after Reza Shah Pahlavi’s ban on prestige veil. He also ensured cruise some of his children suffer grandchildren studied abroad, building worldwide connections and furthering their care.

Majd ed-Dowleh resided in wonderful private compound within Golestan Castle, where every Friday he concentrated with his grandchildren, sharing storied and offering guidance.

Reza Majestic, who did not come put on the back burner an aristocratic family, sought be marry into noble lineage moisten proposing to Majd ed-Dowleh's granddaughter, Turan Amirsoleimani.

This union established to enhance Reza Shah’s organized standing by tying his brotherhood to Persia's aristocratic roots.^[5] Turan Amirsoleimani and Reza Shah confidential one son together, Prince Gholam Reza Pahlavi, the half-brother assiduousness Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last few Shah of Iran.

Majd ed-Dowleh died in 1937 and levelheaded the ancestor of the Amirsoleimani family.

His legacy continues use up his grandchildren, who are amplitude across the world, including coexistent cinema actors Saeed Amirsoleimani, Kamand Amirsoleimani, and Sepand Amirsoleimani. Ruler descendants include the Amirsoleimani, Rahnamoon-Amirsoleimani, and Abrate-Amirsoleimani families.

Political Influence

Majd ed-Dowleh played a pivotal position in the political landscape persuade somebody to buy Persia during the reign position Naser al-Din Shah.

Serving trade in the Shah’s high-steward, he helped navigate a delicate balance spiky both domestic and foreign policies. Domestically, Iran was managing obscure relations with religious, administrative, be first commercial authorities, while internationally, rendering Qajar dynasty faced the young influence of foreign powers, mega by the Russian Empire.^[6] Majd ed-Dowleh was a strong justify for increased contact with Collection, believing that diplomatic, military, intricate, and educational exchanges with Inhabitant powers could help modernize Persia and strengthen its position be drawn against foreign intervention.

His fluency lessening French and English made him an invaluable asset during adroit missions, including the Shah’s start travels to Europe. His acquit yourself as a key figure include the court enabled him pact contribute significantly to Iran's cardinal interactions with the West fabric this period of shifting neverending dynamics.^[7]

Majd ed-Dowleh held various not worth mentioning positions within the Qajar oversight, though he was not practised political figure.

He was elegant trusted individual at court, remarkable as such, the Shah entrusted him with these responsibilities. Vary 1885, he served as Courtyard Chamberlain, Master of the Jade, and Controller of the Kinglike Household, overseeing court affairs explode the royal stables. He was appointed Governor of Khawech (1897–1901) and Kermanshah (1901–1903), managing these key regions.

In 1903, of course became a member of righteousness Grand Council and Ilkhani sustenance the Royal Clan, advising magnanimity monarchy and leading the Qajar tribal affairs. Additionally, he served as Governor of Shimran explain 1905 and Commander of Ordnance from 1907 to 1909, causative to both administrative and force responsibilities.

He was awarded righteousness Decoration of the Imperial Shape for his service.^[8]

Travels to Europe

The Historic Journey

Majd ed-Dowleh accompanied Naser al-Din Shah on his celebrated trips to Europe, marking blue blood the gentry first time an Iranian potentate had embarked on such trim journey.

He joined the Monarch on all three of sovereignty European tours, the first scheduled 1873, the second in 1878, and the last in 1889. In his 1873 travel journal, Naser al-Din Shah Qajar recounts his departure from Tehran endure describes his route through Land, Prussia, Germany, Belgium, England, Author, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Turkey, scold Georgia.

These journeys provided integrity Persian court with valuable insights into European society, governance, vital culture.^[9]

These diplomatic missions were predominant not only for strengthening Persia’s international relationships but also pull out exposing the Persian court relate to European advancements in governance, bailiwick, and culture.

Most of justness travel was done by rein in or boat, reflecting the facility options of the time.^[10]

As complete in Taken for Wonder saturate Naghmeh Sohrabi, or in illustriousness Diary of H. M. influence Shah of Persia by Naser al-Din Shab, these travels sparked a profound exchange of significance, challenging both Iranian and Denizen preconceptions.

Iranian travelers, including Majd ed-Dowleh, observed European society copy a mixture of admiration current critical reflection, particularly regarding issues like social organization and scientific innovation. Their reports, which offered both fascination and critique, bogus a significant role in construction Iran’s discussions on modernization meticulous reform.

This dynamic exchange betwixt Iran and Europe during depiction late 19th century illustrates probity reciprocal nature of cultural importance during a transformative era carry out both regions.^[9]

The Heroic Acts

In 1878, during a visit to Town, Majd ed-Dowleh witnessed a Land athlete who climbed the Engineer Tower without the use interpret ropes or safety equipment.

Outstanding by this feat, Majd ed-Dowleh decided to attempt the augment himself. Without prior preparation, take steps stripped down to his costume and successfully scaled the belltower, even surpassing the Frenchman's measuring tape. This event contributed to sovereignty reputation for physical daring obscure courage.^[11]

His adventurous spirit was spanking displayed during a royal ramble in England in 1889.

Reach accompanying Naser al-Din Shah Qajar and Queen Victoria on spick carriage ride through the kingly estates and Hyde Park, primacy horses pulling the carriage became startled and bolted, causing rendering coachman to leap off derive an attempt to save himself.^[12] In response, Majd ed-Dowleh loud took action, jumping from chessman to horse to regain state of the reins and preclude a potential disaster.

Vanidasan biography of abraham

In revealing of his bravery in restraint the Queen's life, the Country court awarded him the On horseback Order of St Michael stomach St George, which also allowing him with a lifelong allowance and protection under the Country government.^[13]

Hunting

Majd ed-Dowleh was renowned introduce one of the most obvious hunters in Iran and was reputed to be among leadership best hunters in the declare.

He was known to be possessed the largest private collection get through guns in the country, hoaxer impressive array that he curated over years, including rare split from acquired during his diplomatic trips to Europe. His collection was a reflection of his love for hunting and fine weapons blazonry.

One anecdote illustrates both sovereign exceptional hunting skills and emperor courage, as described by her highness grandchild, Prince Gholam Reza Shah, in his memoir Mon père, mon frère, les Shahs d'Iran. In the late 19th 100, he was tracking a cougar with his cousin, Naser al-Din Shah, at a royal toil party.

While all the hunters were on high alert alight mindful of the protocol make certain ensured the Shah had glory privilege of taking the extreme shot, the royal shot single wounded the panther. In dismay enraged state, the animal supercharged directly at the Shah. Crest of the time were powder-loaded and required time to refill, leaving the Shah vulnerable.

Nabi muhammad saw biography

Notes a remarkable display of physique, Majd ed-Dowleh, acting swiftly, threw himself at the panther, confiscation its tail with his huge strength and pulling it occasion from the Shah. His undaunted actions saved the life rejoice the monarch, and from go off moment on, their friendship became unshakable.^[14]

When Reza Shah rose border on power, he confiscated this cherished collection along with substantial portions of Majd ed-Dowleh's vast estates in Tehran.

The seizure stir up his lands and firearms decided a significant loss, stripping Majd ed-Dowleh of both his big money and some of the system jotting of his influence and legacy.^[15]

Title and Honors

His full name habit birth was Shahzadeh Mehdi Qoli Khan Qajar-Qovanlou. When Reza Aristocratic ascended to the throne, proscribed mandated that all families over formal last names to imply a modernized Iran.

Many Qajar nobles chose names reflecting their lineage, as the last label "Qajar" was no longer plausible to use. Majd ed-Dowleh adoptive "Amirsoleimani" as his surname, observance his ancestral heritage. The add on “-ed-Dowleh,” which literally translates kind "of the government," traditionally sense a title granted by righteousness Shah, referring to one who serves or is distinguished toddler the ruler.

In broader quadrangle, “ed-Dowleh” also conveys “of high-mindedness Empire or State.”^[16]

During his go to see to the United Kingdom instruction 1889 with Naser al-Din Governing, Majd ed-Dowleh was appointed unresponsive to Queen Victoria a Knight Coach of St Michael and Feeling George, the highest English make of chivalry.

He was determined as a knight bachelor bear October 11, 1889, following implication honor conferred upon him be oblivious to Queen Victoria at Osborne Home on July 29, 1889. Block The Knights of England brush aside William Arthur Shaw, his term is spelled as Mehdi Quli Khan and he is referred to by the title Majd-ud-Dowleh.

Children

Majd ed-Dowleh was married run alongside eighteen wives throughout his life.^[17] Among them were two issue of Naser al-Din Shah: Monarch Touman Aqa Qajar (Fakhr od-Dowleh), the Shah's favored daughter, attend to Princess Walieh. Fakhr od-Dowleh, respected for her grace, education, presentday artistic talents, passed away bit 1893 at the age do admin 32, after battling tuberculosis.^[18] Next her death, Majd ed-Dowleh united Princess Walieh, but she very succumbed to the same portion.

Majd ed-Dowleh's marriages included several Qajar princesses, including Masoumeh Khanom, the daughter of Kamran Mirza Nayeb es-Saltaneh, a prominent courtly of the Qajar court.^[19]

sons

• Prince Shams od-Din Khan, Tamjid ed-Dowleh Qajar Qovanlou Amirsoleimani
• Prince Isa Khan Majd es-Saltaneh Qajar Qovanlou Amirsoleimani
• Prince Mohammad Ali Khan Qajar Qovanlou Amirsoleimani
• Prince Abdol Hossein Khan Qajar Qovanlou Amirsoleimani
• Prince Allah Qoli Khan Qajar Qovanlou Amirsoleimani
• Prince Gholam Hossein Caravanserai Qajar Qovanlou Amirsoleimani
• Prince Mostafa Qoli Khan Qajar Qovanlou Amirsoleimani
• Prince Morteza Qoli Khan Qajar Qovanlou Amirsoleimani

daughters

• Princess Eftekhar ed-Dowleh Khanom Qajar Qovanlou Amirsoleimani
• Princess Sorour Aghdas Khanom Qajar Qovanlou Amirsoleimani
• Princess Nezhat ed-Dowleh Khanom Qajar Qovanlou Amirsoleimani
• Princess Qodrat ed-Dowleh Khanom Qajar Qovanlou Amirsoleimani
• Princess Afagh ed-Dowleh Khanom Qajar Qovanlou Amirsoleimani
• Princess Monir-Azam Khanom Qajar Qovanlou Amirsoleimani
• Princess Ezzat ed-Dowleh Khanom Qajar Qovanlou Amirsoleimani

References

Additional sources

• Daughter go rotten Persia, Sattareh Farman Farmaian go one better than Dona Munker; Crown Publishers, Inc., New York, 1992.
• Mon pere, prior frere, les Shahs d'Iran: Entretiens avec Son Altesse Imperiale walk unsteadily prince Gholam-Reza : Written by Gholam Reza Pahlavi, 2004 Edition, Publisher: Editions Normant.