Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 309 Children of the Harem
“Speaking of which, Uncle, you have nine children, right?” Naserdin suddenly asked.

“Yes, Shah,” Abdullah replied.

"Yes, having children is a good thing. Your wealth and reputation will be inherited. Like me, I already have children, and some people think that's not enough. They think you have to be like Grandpa."

Although Naser al-Din has focused on state affairs in recent years, he hasn't neglected his harem. It can't be said that he truly didn't have a harem.

However, compared to his ancestors and the kings of kings of previous dynasties, Nasser al-Din's harem was relatively small. He had three wives and six children: four sons and two daughters.

In Persian tradition, the harem was not only the monarch's private domain, but also a symbol of power and prestige. A large harem signified strong fertility and the legitimacy of rule.

Naser al-Din's grandfather, Fatah Ali Shah, had over 100 children, and this vast family network was a crucial pillar of the dynasty's stability. Naser al-Din, however, had only three wives and six children, a remarkably modest number in the Persian court.

This "streamlined" harem sparked discontent among the nobility, who saw it as a departure from tradition. Furthermore, of the four sons, only the eldest, Murad, was explicitly designated as heir apparent. The future of the other children remained uncertain, fueling speculation and infighting within the court.

Nasser al-Din had four sons: Murad, Abbas, Muhammad, and Ali. Murad and Abbas were only two years apart, leading some to secretly support Abbas in an attempt to seize the throne.

Murad received a rigorous court education, becoming proficient in Persian literature, Islamic law, and military strategy. He also received instruction in modern politics and diplomacy from teachers from Prussia and England.

However, his Europeanized education provoked discontent among conservative nobles, who considered him "too Westernized" and potentially a departure from Persian traditions. They instead turned their support to his second son, Abbas.

Abbas's mother came from the Shamari tribe and had a strong interest in military affairs and weapons. Some conservative nobles supported Abbas, believing he was better able to uphold traditional and religious values. Historically, succession struggles have been a major cause of national decline.

"Tell me, my children are not even grown up yet, and those people are already eager to take sides. If they were adults, I'm afraid there would be a big fuss."

Abdullah quickly stepped forward and said, "Shah, the princes are still young. The ministers naturally want to take sides to gain benefits. I am not worried if it is just them, but I am afraid that there is foreign support."

This statement struck a chord with Nasser al-Din, highlighting the presence of foreign powers. Britain, France, Russia, and even the Ottoman Empire were all possibilities. They all had designs on Iran, and naturally, they were also interested in...
“Hundreds of years ago, the Ottomans used a system of succession that involved princes killing each other until only one remained, who would then become the next ruler,” Naser al-Din said slowly.

During that period, the Ottoman Empire witnessed different versions of the "battle for the throne" almost every day, with princes fighting each other for the Sultan's throne, or princes who refused to admit defeat launching a counterattack against the new Sultan.

This phenomenon has indeed provided the new Sultan with a valuable opportunity for development, such as improving his governing abilities and enhancing his military skills. After all, someone with even slightly insufficient capabilities could be replaced at any time.

Under the influence of this internal strife, the Ottoman Empire descended into severe chaos. Each change of power was accompanied by brutal conflict. "Tell me, what should be done about the other princes?"

The pressure was on Abdullah; for the monarch, the issue of succession was a major headache. For the ministers, it was a topic that couldn't be touched—who knew that a single misstep could lead to their entire families being wiped out?

However, Abdullah did have a solution; information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs saved his life.

“Shah, I have heard that there is unrest in South America and Zanzibar, and our rule there is not very stable. It would be better to let the princes guard the places to maintain our authority.”

That's an idea," Naserdin gestured for the other person to continue.

"Currently, our country is expanding in various parts of the world. Although the momentum is strong, the sustainability is insufficient. The fundamental reason is that our prestige cannot subdue the local people. It would be better to let the princes guard the local areas, which can maintain the Shah's authority and consolidate our sphere of influence."

"If we could send Prince Abbas to East Africa, perhaps we could keep those Zanzibarians in check."

Naser al-Din nodded. “That’s a good idea. I think Abbas could go and gain some experience. If Muhammad were a little older, we could send him to South America.”

Compared to his two older brothers, Muhammad was much quieter, perhaps even too quiet. He had little interest in politics and military affairs, but was passionate about religion. He was always the first to arrive for prayers, and the Báb, who had become an Ayatollah, liked him very much and often taught him theological knowledge. If this continued, he would likely become a theologian.

"I plan to have Murad go to Herat on my behalf. Although that place is still on our territory, it is actually estranged from us. I don't know how Daoud managed to evade the massive search."

Daoud was the hereditary governor of Herat. Although the area was still within the territory of Iran, the local governorship remained hereditary.

Naser al-Din had visited Herat a year earlier, and Governor Daoud's performance of "loyalty" was impeccable—he personally went thirty miles outside the city to greet the Shah, with Persian carpets laid out along the way, and the people shouting "Long live the Shah!" But Naser al-Din noticed that the cheering peasants were poorly clothed, and their eyes held no warmth. Even more suspicious was the excessively meticulousness of Herat's tax ledgers, recording even the loss of a single sack of wheat, a stark contrast to the desolate state of the local markets.

There's definitely something fishy going on in this situation. According to intelligence, Daoud was taking a cut under the guise of a "pilgrimage tax" and then using that money to bribe central officials. Furthermore, some Sufi elders openly declared, "The stars in Herat are closer to God than those in Tehran." These elders had close ties with Daoud and frequently promoted this idea during their sermons in mosques.

Even more dangerously, he was also secretly in contact with Britain and Russia, attempting to use external support to secede Herat from Iran. If successful, this would cause unimaginable damage to northeastern Iran.

Naser al-Din decided to send Murad to investigate, hoping to capture him if possible. Controlling Herat would allow Iran to extend its influence into Kandahar and Kabul, ultimately controlling Peshawar, the only gateway to the Hindu Kush Mountains. This would provide Persia with a vital trade and military route, enhancing its influence in South and Central Asia.

(End of this chapter)