The Royal Playground (1866–1870)

Abstract

The southern shores of the Caspian had figured prominently in the development of the Qajar political identity and power. The Qajar rose from Mazandaran and Astarabad eventually to rule all of Persia. Many of the princes also cut their teeth in the art of state administration while on assignment at various governorships in this region. This might explain in part the love that Naser ed-Din Shah (1848–1896) had for the Caspian coast. But, much of his attraction to the North was owed to his own appreciation of the outdoors, the wildlife,¹ and his keen sense of curiosity about the world that could be satisfied only by travel and observation.