1785–1925 CE
The Qajars began to come to power in Iran at the end of the first quarter of the 18th century — specifically in 1725.
Founding the dynasty
The dynasty’s founder, Aga Mohammad Khan Qajar, waged an active struggle against the Zands and ended up in their captivity, where he spent most of his life. After Karim Khan’s death, he escaped, returned, seized power, and founded Tehran.
Territorial expansion and losses
Under Qajar rulers — notably Fath‑Ali Shah and Naser al‑Din Shah Qajar — Iran’s borders took a shape close to the modern one and even expanded for several decades through the annexation of parts of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Dagestan.
However, the dynasty suffered defeats in wars with the Russian Empire:
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1804–1813 (resulting in the Gulistan Peace Treaty of 1813, by which Persia recognised Russian territorial claims to parts of modern Dagestan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan);
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1826–1828 (confirmed by the Treaty of Turkmenchay, which ceded Eastern Armenia to Russia).
Internal policy
A key domestic move was the permanent relocation of the capital to Tehran. This was driven by:
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the need to distance the seat of power from borders;
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a strategic shift to develop the economy and infrastructure in Iran’s eastern regions.
International standing and crises (late 19th – early 20th centuries)
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Qajar Iran’s international standing weakened. British influence peaked before World War I. After the war, Britain formally accepted Iran’s independence — but attempts at domination continued, sparking unrest in regions like Gilan.
Initially, these disturbances weakened central control, but the authorities regained power over the country.
Key rulers
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Mozzafar al‑Din: saw increased dependence on Russia and Britain but also cultural development (including the birth of Iranian cinema).
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Muhammad Ali (Mozzafar’s heir): attempted counter‑reforms to reverse constitutional changes that limited the monarch’s power. His rule ended with the Constitutionalist Revolt of 1911.
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Ahmad Shah (ascended at age 12): a weak ruler. Under him, a conflict erupted when Iran refused to dismiss an American treasurer; Russian troops entered Tehran and suppressed resistance.
World War I and its aftermath
Iran declared neutrality in World War I but could not maintain it after Ottoman incursions. Until 1917, Russian forces helped repel them. After Russia left, the Ottomans occupied most of Azerbaijan until the war’s end.
End of the Qajar rule (1925)
By 1925, Iran had become a more or less unified state with Persian as the official language — an important domestic political factor. However, this unification was largely the work of Reza Khan, who emerged in the early 1920s.
In the final years, British dominance over Iran sparked popular discontent. In 1921, Reza Khan — backed by the British (who feared communism) — led a revolt and seized power. Two years later, he became prime minister; in 1925, he was proclaimed Shah of Iran. The Qajar era ended.
Culture and society
In the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries, Iranian art broadened in techniques, subjects, and genres, partly due to a shift toward secularism and partial relaxation of Islamic restrictions on visual arts.
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Painting: frequent trips by Iranian artists to France and Italy influenced Persian imagery, blending traditional miniature traits with Western Renaissance portraiture.
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Photography: played a notable role in artistic development.
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Education: the first classical university, Dar al‑Funun, opened in Tehran in 1851.
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Architecture: many historic buildings (merchant houses, caravanserais, hamams, mosques, etc.) surviving today were built under the Qajars. Decorated with diverse techniques — including world‑renowned tiles — they are a hallmark of Iran’s modern material culture.
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Literature: new genres emerged (realism, social themes).
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Women’s participation: their role in cultural life grew significantly.
