Diary Memoirs of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar (Volume 9)

Diary Memoirs of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar is a valuable and precious collection published by the Dr. Mahmoud Afshar Endowments Foundation and Sokhan Publishing, recounting part of Iran’s history through the pen of one of its most renowned kings. This volume, compiled and edited by Majid Abdamin, presents the “Diary Memoirs of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar” from Shawwal 1288 to Dhu al-Hijjah 1290 AH, including the first foreign travelogues for the audience. Written by a Qajar king, the diary highlights the broad significance of travel narratives in the 19th century, uniquely authored by royalty this time. Travel was certainly essential for Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, who made many trips across Iran and abroad, meticulously recording them. His three European trips in 1873, 1878, and 1889 demonstrate travel as an inseparable part of his lifestyle. What makes these journeys unique is that Naser al-Din Shah effectively moved the political center of his realm away from Tehran, presiding over a mobile court. It is also important to note that while he traveled extensively to Europe, he also journeyed throughout his empire and around the Arab and Islamic world within the Ottoman Empire. He largely financed these travels through major concessions sold to Europe. The “Diary Memoirs of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar,” including the first foreign travelogues and compiled by Majid Abdamin, offers an intriguing account of the King’s perspective and the places he visited.