Persian History: Qajar Dynasty and the Reigns of Mozaffar al Din Shah and Ahmad Shah in French Illustrated Periodicals, 1896–1909

Iran Persia Qajar Kings

Periodical

Three original French illustrated periodicals published between 1896 and 1909, documenting the Qajar monarchy during a period of political upheaval in Persia, from the accession of Mozaffar al-Din Shah (r. 1896–1907) to the Constitutional Revolution and the accession of Ahmad Shah in 1909. The publications include color portraits of Mozaffar al-Din Shah and photographic coverage of the young Ahmad Shah, accompanied by contemporary French reporting. Their publication dates coincide with the expansion of diplomatic relations between Persia and European powers, the establishment of constitutional government in 1906, and the revolutionary events that culminated in the deposition of Mohammad Ali Shah in July 1909.

Three complete French illustrated magazines comprising 32 pages, published in 1896, 1900, and 1909. Two eight-page issues of Le Petit Journal, each measuring 12" x 17.5", feature colored cover illustrations of Mozaffar al-Din Shah and accompanying articles. The third, a sixteen-page issue of Le Monde Illustré, measures 11.4" x 15" and includes photographs of Ahmad Shah alongside an article titled "Chah of Persia Ahmed Mirza, The Revolution of Persia." The three issues are described chronologically below.
[1] Le Petit Journal. Paris, 1896. Eight pages. 12" x 17.5". Features a colored cover illustration of Mozaffar al-Din Shah with accompanying French-language reporting. Published in the year of his accession following the assassination of his father, Naser al-Din Shah, the issue dates from the beginning of a reign that would culminate in the establishment of Persia's first constitutional government.

[2] Le Petit Journal. Paris, 1900. Eight pages. 12" x 17.5". Features a second colored cover illustration of Mozaffar al-Din Shah with accompanying articles. Published during the Shah's first European tour, which included an official visit to France during the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1900, the issue belongs to a period of increased diplomatic contact between the Qajar court and European governments.

[3] Le Monde Illustré. Paris, 1909. Sixteen pages. 11.4" x 15". Includes photographs of Ahmad Shah, also identified as Ahmed Mirza, accompanied by the article "Chah of Persia Ahmed Mirza, The Revolution of Persia." The issue dates from the culmination of the Persian Constitutional Revolution, when constitutionalist forces occupied Tehran, deposed Mohammad Ali Shah, and proclaimed his twelve-year-old son Ahmad Shah ruler on July 16, 1909. The photographs and article provide contemporary French press coverage of the dynastic succession and the constitutionalist victory.
The three publications span thirteen years of Qajar rule, from the accession of Mozaffar al-Din Shah to the constitutional upheaval that brought Ahmad Shah to the throne. Their colored illustrations, photographic portraits, and accompanying articles preserve contemporary French reporting on the Persian monarchy before and during the Constitutional Revolution. All three magazines are in very good condition.

Item #14410

Price: $225.00