He was particularly influential during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah, when he served as chief steward and trusted royal advisor, managing critical court affairs and playing a pivotal role in shaping the administration’s policies.

These diplomatic journeys were significant in fostering cultural and political exchanges between Iran and Europe, and Majd ed-Dowleh played a key role in facilitating these interactions.

Majd ed-Dowleh was the maternal cousin of Naser al-Din Shah, and steward and one of the grandees of the second half of Qajar period, positioning him close to the center of royal power.

Privately tutored at home, he studied a broad range of subjects, mastering Persian poetry and literature as well as history, geography, and modern sciences.

Unlike many contemporaries, he valued a blend of classical Persian education and modern Western knowledge, achieving fluency in French and English and becoming familiar with European intellectual trends.

[4] Unlike other members of the royal household of his time, Majd ed-Dowleh valued both classical Persian education and modern Western learning, encouraging proficiency in foreign languages and diverse academic pursuits.

Majd ed-Dowleh resided in a private compound within Golestan Palace, where every Friday he gathered with his grandchildren, sharing stories and offering guidance.

Domestically, Iran was managing complex relations with religious, administrative, and commercial authorities, while internationally, the Qajar dynasty faced the growing influence of foreign powers, particularly by the Russian Empire.

[6] Majd ed-Dowleh was a strong advocate for increased contact with Europe, believing that diplomatic, military, technical, and educational exchanges with European powers could help modernize Iran and strengthen its position against foreign intervention.

His role as a key figure in the court enabled him to contribute significantly to Iran's strategic interactions with the West during this period of shifting global dynamics.

[8] Majd ed-Dowleh accompanied Naser al-Din Shah on his historic trips to Europe, marking the first time an Iranian monarch had embarked on such a journey.

In his 1873 travel diary, Naser al-Din Shah Qajar recounts his departure from Tehran and describes his route through Russia, Prussia, Germany, Belgium, England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Turkey, and Georgia.

[9] These diplomatic missions were crucial not only for strengthening Persia’s international relationships but also for exposing the Persian court to European advancements in governance, technology, and culture.

[10] As detailed in Taken for Wonder by Naghmeh Sohrabi, or in the Diary of H. M. the Shah of Persia by Naser al-Din Shab, these travels sparked a profound exchange of ideas, challenging both Iranian and European preconceptions.

Iranian travelers, including Majd ed-Dowleh, observed European society with a mixture of admiration and critical reflection, particularly regarding issues like social organization and technological innovation.

He was known to possess the largest private collection of guns in the country, an impressive array that he curated over years, including rare pieces acquired during his diplomatic trips to Europe.

In a remarkable display of courage, Majd ed-Dowleh, acting swiftly, threw himself at the panther, grabbing its tail with his immense strength and pulling it away from the Shah.