Qajar dynasty (redirected from Kadjar)

Qajar dynasty

(1794–1925) Ruling dynasty of Iran. It was founded by Agha Muhammad Khan, who brutally reunified Iran and reasserted Iranian rule over territories in Georgia and the Caucasus by defeating his rivals, including the last ruler of the Zand dynasty. His successor, Fath 'Ali Shah (r. 1797–1834), lost land to Russia and increased contacts with the West. Nasir al-Din Shah's (r. 1848–96) successful manipulation of Russia and Britain preserved Persia's independence, but his successors could not cope with subsequent European meddling, and the dynasty was overthrown by Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1925.