The diary of Qajar king Nasser al-Din Shah (1831-1896) from autumn of 1867 to spring of 1870 has been published.
“Diary of Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar,” a collection of the king’s writings in Persian, compiled and edited by author Majid Abd-Amin, was released by Mahmoud Afshar Endowments Foundation in collaboration with Sokhan publishing house, according to the Persian website of Written Heritage Research Center, Mirasmaktoob.ir.
The 642-page book is a sequel to an earlier work which was the first such royal diary published jointly by Sokhan and Mahmoud Afshar Foundation, a cultural institution founded by Mahmoud Afshar-Yazdi (1893-1983), a scholar devoted to Iranian studies and Persian language.
The first book bears the same title as the second, but includes notes Nasser al-Din wrote in a preceding period -- summer of 1866 to 1867.
While the first volume provides insight into administrative affairs, describes everyday life and recounts the monarch’s excursions around Tehran, the recent sequel provides graphic accounts of his journeys to Qom, Lar, Kojour and Gilan, describes his hunting and outdoor activities, elaborates on the decrees appointing and dismissing state officials, and reports climatic conditions at the time.
The notes were written before the king’s first journey to Europe in 1873. Unlike contemporary scribes that are elaborative to the extent possible, Nasser al-Din Shah used simple and frank language in his writing. He was an artist who indulged in calligraphy, photography, painting and poetry.
As a travelling ruler and travel writer, Nasser al-Din Shah indeed had a lot to say and write. His curiosity, humor and perception are visible in his diary. The writings reveal the image of a man pretty well informed about most of his destinations and curious to know more about the people he met.
