Malek Jahan Khanom (1805–1873)
Born 1805 CE, died 1873 CE.
Malek Jahan Khanom (Persian: ملکجهان خانم; 26 February 1805 – 2 April 1873) was one of the wives of Mohammad Shah Qajar and the mother of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar. She was the de facto regent of Iran for one month, from 5 September until 5 October in 1848, between the death of her husband and the accession of her son. She is regarded as one of the important court figures of the Qajar era. She was the most powerful and influential woman of the Qajar dynasty. During the reign of Naser al-Din Shah, the supervision of all the women of the Qajar harem was under Mahd-e Olya, and she carried out most of the harem's important affairs. Correspondence with foreign empresses and the wives of ambassadors, as well as hosting female foreign guests who visited the harem, was Malek Jahan Khanom's responsibility. She also played an important role in the appointment of governors and ministers. After her death, the supervision of the royal harem was entrusted to Anis al-Dowleh, a wife of Naser al-Din Shah. Moʿayyer al-Mamalek writes: Mahd-e Olya had an immense and splendid household.
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