Malek Jahan Khanum Mahd-E Ulya

1805 - 1873

Wife of Mohammad Shah Qajar, third monarch of Persia's Qajar dynasty, and mother of Naser al-Din Shah, the fourth monarch. She became known as Mahd-e Ulya upon her son's accession to the throne in 1848.

Malek Jahan Khanum Mahd-e Ulya was the daughter of Soleyman Khan E'tezad al-Dowleh Qajar Qovanlu; her mother was the daughter of Fath Ali Shah, second monarch of Persia's Qajar Dynasty. Her marriage to Mohammad Shah, third monarch of the Qajar dynasty, in 1819 united the two branches of the Qajar tribe, as decreed by Agha Mohammad Qajar, the founder of the dynasty. In addition to her son, she had a daughter, Malekzadeh Khanum, who married Mirza Taqi Khan Amir Kabir, who later became premier for her brother the shah. Mahd-e Ulya was well educated, knew Arabic, was an accomplished calligraphist, and was well versed in literature.

Mahd-e Ulya was entrusted with the affairs of state at the end of her husband's life, until the crown prince could reach the palace in Tehran from Tabriz, the traditional seat of the heir to the throne. She had ruled successfully and continued to be involved in politics after her son became shah but was displeased by her daughter's husband, Amir Kabir, who was trying to enact modern reforms as premier. Court intrigues caused Amir Kabir to lose the trust of the young shah, and he was dismissed, then exiled, and later put to death.

Mahd-e Ulya has been blamed for this action and remains an unpopular historical figure because of her association with the death of one of Persia's most remarkable ministers.

Bibliography

Avery, Peter. Modern Iran. New York: Praeger, 1965.

Watson, R. G. A History of Persia from the Beginning of the Nineteenth Century to the Year 1858. London: Smith, Elder, 1866.

— MANSOUREH ETTEHADIEH