Nasr-ed-Din Shah Qajar only knew the Turkish language of Azerbaijan

Nasr-ed-Din Shah Qajar only knew the Turkish language of Azerbaijan

«While Heir Apparent and when resident at Tabriz, Nasr-ed-Din Mirza received the usual education of Persian princes. In other words, he was taught to read, write, pray, ride and shoot. The governorship of Azerbaijan though nominally vested in the Vali-Ahd, being as a rule exercised by some minister of weight and years, the heir to the throne has few other occupations except those of the harem and the chase.

Accordingly, it is not surprising to learn that the young prince was a father at sixteen, and that the chief reputation he left at Tabriz was that of a great hunter. Called to the throne at the early age of seventeen, and surrounded therefore from youth upwards by the sycophants and flatterers who buzz round an Oriental crown, it is surprising that Nasr-ed-Din Shah has turned out so well. This happy development he owes to abilities considerably above the average, and to decided strength of character. When he came to the throne he only knew the Turkish language, which is spoken in Azerbaijan; but he soon learnt both to speak and to write Persian well, and has since acquired a tolerable familiarity with French and Arabic.»

George N. Curzon — Persia and the Persian Question. Vol. I, pp. 396-397 (1892)