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 The story of Princess Qajar, often cited as a symbol of beauty in Persia, has become a widely circulated myth, particularly on the internet. According to popular lore, Princess Qajar, a member of the Qajar dynasty that ruled Persia (modern-day Iran) from the late 18th to the early 20th century, was considered so beautiful that 13 young men allegedly took their own lives after she rejected their advances. However, this tale is more fiction than fact.

The Myth of Princess Qajar

The story often features a photograph of a woman with a distinctive appearance by modern standards—thick eyebrows, a prominent mustache, and traditional Persian attire. She is said to be Princess Qajar, and her unconventional beauty, according to the tale, captivated many young men. The most sensational part of the story claims that these men were so heartbroken by her rejection that they committed suicide, unable to bear the pain of unrequited love.

The Facts Behind the Myth

In reality, the woman often depicted is not Princess Qajar but likely a woman of the Qajar dynasty, perhaps Princess Zahra Khanom "Taj al-Saltaneh," who was indeed a member of the Qajar royal family and known for her intelligence, education, and advocacy for women's rights. Taj al-Saltaneh was an accomplished writer and a feminist who played a significant role in Persian society during her time. 

While she did challenge conventional beauty standards, there is no historical evidence to support the claim that any men killed themselves over her, let alone 13. This part of the story seems to be a fabrication, likely born out of a misunderstanding or an attempt to romanticize and dramatize the life of a Persian princess.

The Cultural Context

The Qajar era's standards of beauty were indeed different from those of today. In 19th-century Persia, features like a mustache on a woman were not necessarily considered unattractive; in fact, they could be seen as a sign of aristocracy and high status. Beauty standards are highly subjective and vary significantly across cultures and time periods. 

 The Legacy of Taj al-Saltaneh

Though the story of Princess Qajar as a heartbreaker is largely mythical, the real-life Taj al-Saltaneh left a more profound legacy. She was an advocate for modernity, women's rights, and education in Iran. Her memoirs, which provide a detailed account of her life and the court politics of the time, remain a valuable resource for understanding the social and political dynamics of the Qajar era.

The tale of Princess Qajar and the 13 men who allegedly killed themselves over her rejection is a compelling story, but it is more a product of myth than historical fact. The true legacy of the women of the Qajar dynasty, particularly Taj al-Saltaneh, lies in their contributions to Persian culture, politics, and the early women's rights movement in Iran. Rather than focusing on a fictionalized narrative, it is important to appreciate the real impact these women had on their society.