Title: A Regal Demise: The Day Naser al-Din Shah Qajar Was Assassinated
Introduction
A first-hand account, meticulously documented decades later, sheds light on the intricate political and courtly maneuvers that followed one of the most pivotal moments in 19th-century Persian history: the assassination of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar. This narrative, based on the testimony of court physician Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Ehya al-Molk, reveals a story of immediate crisis management and the preservation of state stability in the face of sudden, profound shock.
The Prelude to Tragedy
On a Friday in May 1896, Naser al-Din Shah, the longest-reigning monarch of the Qajar dynasty, decided to visit the shrine of Shah Abdol-Azim in Rey for pilgrimage. Despite strong objections from his powerful Prime Minister, Mirza Ali Asghar Khan Amir Kabir (Atabak-e Azam), who cited pressing state affairs and even feigned illness to dissuade him, the Shah was insistent. This insistence on maintaining his public schedule, against the counsel of his chief minister, set the stage for the day’s tragic events.
The Assassination and Immediate Aftermath
Amidst a large public gathering at the shrine, the Shah was shot and killed by Mirza Reza Kermani. Dr. Ehya al-Molk, the only physician present, was summoned by the Prime Minister to attend to the Shah. His examination left no doubt: one of three bullets had struck the monarch’s heart, killing him instantly.
Faced with a power vacuum and potential civil unrest, Amir Kabir made a decisive move to ensure a seamless transition of power. He immediately prioritized national security over public announcement, understanding that news of the Shah’s death could trigger instability. He instructed the physician to publicly maintain that the Shah was merely wounded.
A Carefully Orchestrated Illusion
To manage the public perception and transport the Shah’s body back to the capital without causing panic, an elaborate ruse was conceived. The Shah’s body was propped up in his carriage. A courtier, hidden beneath the Shah’s robes, subtly moved the deceased monarch’s hands and occasionally adjusted his mustache, creating the convincing illusion that the Shah was alive but injured. The Prime Minister sat opposite, continuing to act as if he were conversing with and caring for the Shah, even pretending to offer him water during the journey back to Tehran.
This meticulous performance successfully maintained order. The procession returned to the Golestan Palace without incident, allowing the court and government the crucial time needed to manage the succession process securely and orderly.
A Legacy of Political Continuity
The account, later published by Sheikh al-Molk Orang, a respected statesman and member of parliament, is not merely a historical curiosity. It serves as a profound example of swift and calculated leadership during a national crisis. The immediate actions of the court, under the direction of the Prime Minister, were focused exclusively on preventing chaos and ensuring the continuity of the state, demonstrating a deep commitment to national integrity and stability during a vulnerable transition. The event underscores the complex responsibilities of leadership in safeguarding a nation’s future.