Soltan Hossein Mirza Jalal ed-Dowleh

Soltan Hossein Mirza Jalal ed-Dowleh Qajar (; 1868–1914), born Soltan Hossein Mirza, was a Qajar prince, politician, and governor. He was an opponent of Mohammad Ali Shah Qajar and an active figure during the Persian Constitutional Revolution.

Biography Early life Jalal ed-Dowleh was born in 1285 AH (1868 CE). His father, Mass'oud Mirza Zell-e Soltan, was the eldest son of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar and a powerful governor of Isfahan and Fars. His mother, Hamdam al-Molouk, was the daughter of the renowned statesman Mirza Taqi Khan Amir Kabir.

Governorship and political career In 1298 AH (1881 CE), his father, Zell-e Soltan became governor of Fars and appointed Jalal ed-Dowleh as his deputy governor. In 1303 AH (1885 CE), during his governorship in Shiraz, he faced a public uprising due to bread shortages, which he failed to resolve.

Jalal ed-Dowleh’s service as deputy governor lasted seven years. He also served as governor of Yazd twice: initially from 1307 AH (1889 CE) under his father’s administration and again from 1311 to 1323 AH (1894–1905 CE). His harsh methods led to complaints and his eventual removal from office in 1309 AH (1892 CE).

After briefly staying in Tehran, he resumed governorship in 1311 AH (1894 CE) and held various posts until 1323 AH (1905 CE). Later, he was appointed governor of Kurdistan and Zanjan and also achieved the military rank of Amir Nuyan, the highest military rank during the Qajar era.

Role in the Constitutional Revolution Jalal ed-Dowleh became a vocal supporter of the Persian Constitutional Revolution (1905–1911). He joined the “Assembly of Princes,” which advocated for constitutionalism. However, British and Russian sources accused him of conspiring against Mohammad Ali Shah, seeking to dethrone him, and positioning Zell-e Soltan as regent.

Later years and death Jalal ed-Dowleh returned to Iran in 1328 AH (1910 CE) and accepted the governorship of Kerman in 1329 AH (1911 CE). However, little is known about his later life. He died on 12 Safar 1332 AH (January 1914) during a hunting trip, reportedly from kidney colic. He was buried in the mausoleum of Naser al-Din Shah at the Shah Abdol-Azim Shrine in Rey.

Part of his wealth, including lands in Jalaliyeh (north of old Tehran, now central Tehran), was later acquired to establish the University of Tehran.