In a surprising turn of events, a significant collection of Qajar era photographs from the Golestan Palace archives has been released on a Google Drive file by an anonymous user. The anonymous publisher states that these photos have been made accessible to anyone interested in Iranian culture and art, emphasizing the intention to democratize access to these historical documents.
The collection, which includes 74 albums with over three thousand images, offers a unique glimpse into the lives of people from various regions of Iran during the Qajar period. It features notable buildings, historical figures, and numerous photos of Naser al-Din Shah. The publisher argues that these photographs were released to break the monopoly over such cultural heritage items, aiming to provide free access to enthusiasts and researchers alike. The anonymous source criticized the authorities for “imprisoning” these historical documents and urged viewers to share each album with several others.
In response to the release, the public relations department of the Golestan Palace Cultural Complex issued a statement asserting that no objects or albums have been lost from the palace. The statement clarified that the published collection represents only a small portion of the palace’s extensive historical photo albums, referred to as “shadow albums,” which are scans of the originals. The department also announced plans to release more albums from their photo archive soon.
The album house of Golestan Palace is an invaluable repository of photographs and films, dating back more than 170 years. This treasure trove includes images from the Qajar dynasty, documenting various aspects of life such as travels, celebrations, mourning ceremonies, daily activities, harems, and historical buildings. Additionally, the archives contain photographs from countries like Russia, Austria, and Germany, reflecting the international connections of the period.
The Golestan Palace’s album house comprises 1,520 albums and approximately 9,000 glass plates, including black and white, colored, lithographic, and lithographed photographs. This diverse collection not only preserves the visual history of Iran but also provides a rich resource for scholars and art lovers worldwide.
As the cultural heritage community reacts to this unexpected digital release, it raises important questions about access to historical documents and the role of modern technology in preserving and disseminating cultural heritage. The release of these Qajar era photographs may inspire further initiatives to make historical archives more accessible to the public, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Iranian history is available to all who seek to explore it.