Anis al-Dawla

Anis al-Dawla (Persian: انیس‌الدوله, c. 1842 – 1896) was a royal consort of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar of Iran (r. 1848–1896). The rank of Anis al-Dowleh surpassed that of Naser al-Din Shah’s other wives, and she could practically be considered the queen of Iran. Anis al-Dowleh acted as the Shah’s principal advisor. She was awarded the “Order of Aftab” and the “Royal Portrait” by the Shah and held the position of head of the Qajar harem, with administrative duties such as receiving high-ranking women. She played an influential role in the politics of Naser al-Din Shah’s court. Due to her support for the people and her criticism of the Shah’s excesses, she was also regarded as a positive and respected figure among the courtiers.