Jeyran (wife of Naser al-Din Shah)

Jeyran (Persian: جیران; born Khadija of Tajrish (خدیجه خانم تجریشی), c. 1831–2 January 1860) was one of the beloved wives and first mistress of Naseraddin Shah (r. 1848–1896).

Known for her beauty and charm, Jeyran was born as Khadija, daughter of Muhammad Ali, a gardener and carpenter. She met Naseraddin Shah circa 1850 and became his concubine at the age of 17. She got given title of Forugh Osaltana about 6 years later when she officially married the Shah and became his permanent wife (having already four children at that time, one of them dead). Jeyran spread her influence by the birth of her second child, Muhammad Qasim Mirza and who was made commander-in-chief. Although he had no maternal Qajar ancestor, with a fake lineage made for Jeyran which linked her to Sasanids and Ilkhanate, he became the crown prince, but shortly after, he died. Afterwards, Jeyran lost all of her children and contracted tuberculosis. She died in 1860. Her death had an impact on Naseraddin Shah, who abandoned the royal responsibilities for a while.