Qajar

The Qajar dynasty, also known as Kadjar, ruled Iran from 1789 to 1925. It was founded by Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, who reunified Persian lands after the collapse of the Zand dynasty and established Tehran as the capital. The Qajars consolidated central authority, expanded or reasserted control over much of the Iranian heartland, and faced ongoing tribal and regional challenges as well as external pressure from Russia and Britain.

The dynasty takes its name from the Qajar tribe, a Turkic-speaking lineage from the Caspian region. During the 19th century, Iran endured several wars with Russia, leading to the cession of Caucasus territories under the treaties of Gulistan (1813) and Turkmenchay (1828). These losses weakened central authority and increased foreign influence at court, fueling reform efforts and popular resentment toward concessions and fiscal pressures.

Key rulers included Agha Mohammad Khan (1789–1797), Fath-Ali Shah (1797–1834), and Nasir al-Din Shah (1848–1896). Mozaffar ad-Din Shah (1896–1907) faced rising pressures from merchants and intellectuals, culminating in the Persian Constitutional Revolution of 1905–1907, which produced a constitution and a constitutional assembly. The late Qajar era witnessed intensified Western involvement, modernizing attempts, and debates over modernization versus traditional authority.

Culturally, the Qajar period produced distinctive art, architecture, and portraiture, alongside the introduction of new technologies and media. Economically and politically, the era struggled with foreign influence, internal factions, and fiscal challenges, limiting lasting reforms.

The dynasty ended after World War I, when Reza Khan (later Reza Shah Pahlavi) rose to power. In 1925 Ahmad Shah Qajar was deposed, and the Pahlavi dynasty was established, bringing a new phase in Iran’s modern history.