Aqa Reza Akasbashi

Aqa Reza Khan Iqbal os-Saltaneh (; 1843 - 1884), also known by titles of Ajudan-e Makhsus and Akkas-Bashi , was the first professional Iranian photographer.

Biography Aqa Reza Khan was son of Agha Esmail Jaded ol-Eslam, a prominent court official who served as Chief Attendant of Royal Presence and head of ceremonial arrangements for the Salam ceremonies of Fath-Ali Shah, Mohammad Shah and Naser al-Din Shah. His brother, Mirza Ali-Naqi Khan Hakem ol-Mamalek, was shah's personal physician.

Career He learned photography from French photographer Francis Carlhian and specialized in portrait photography. In 1871, Naser al-Din Shah bestowed upon him the title of Akkas-Bashi . In 1885, Aqa Reza was granted the title Iqbal os-Saltaneh. In 1887, addition to serving as Minister of Arsenal, he was entrusted with deputyship of Fath-Ali Mir, son of Kamran Mirza Nayeb es-Saltaneh, who had been appointed Commander of Artillery despite his young age.

Aqa Reza died on 30 January 1890 at his private garden in Shemiran. Various theories have been proposed concerning his death. Mehdi Bamdad, author of Sharh-e Haal-e Rejaal-e Iran, believed that Aqa Reza had been poisoned with Qajar coffee on order of Naser al-Din Shah.

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