Tracing Our Ardalan Lineage
As a storyteller, mother, and AI enthusiast, I continually explore captivating stories from our Ardalan family history that spans more than a thousand years. These tales range from royal intrigue in 19th-century Persia to contemporary roles in architecture and artificial intelligence.
1. Iran Davar Ardalan
Dates: 1964 — Present
My career has taken me through enriching roles at NPR and National Geographic, where I've captured stories from around the globe. I have served as the Deputy Director of the White House Presidential Innovation Fellowship Program at the GSA and am currently an AI Solutions Specialist at Booz Allen. My work blends historical insights with cutting-edge technology. Above all, I cherish my role as a mother and grandmother, which enriches my perspective and inspires my endeavors.
2. Father: Nader Ardalan
Dates: 1939 — Present
Nader Ardalan is a distinguished architect known for his work in planning, architecture, and historic preservation. He holds degrees from Carnegie-Mellon University and Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. Ardalan is celebrated for integrating cultural heritage with modern environmental design, showcasing a deep connection between historical and contemporary architecture. His projects span the Middle East to the United States, influenced by and contemporaneous with Louis Kahn.
3. Grandfather: Abbas Ardalan
Dates: 1896–1978
Witnessed profound geopolitical upheavals, living through both World Wars. Graduated from the London School of Economics served as an Economic Attaché and Representative to the Narcotics Commission of the United Nations. His career marked significant contributions to international economics and diplomacy during a century shaped by immense change.
4. Great Grandfather: Abol Hassan Khan Ardalan
Dates: 1862–1929
Was a pivotal figure during the Qajar era in Iran. His career in the royal court began as a page in his youth, evolving to significant roles such as an attendant to Nāṣer-al-dīn Shah during his European tour in 1888–1889. His governance extended to serving as the governor of Hamadan and Arak and taking on the role of Minister of Commerce, highlighting his versatile and influential positions within the government.
5. Great Grandmother: Abbaseh Salour (Shajan Vali)
Dates: 1862–1945
Abbaseh was of royal blood on both side and granddaughter of Mohammad Shah Qajar. She was married to Abol Hassan Khan Ardalan. According to our late cousin and family archivist Houri Moghadam, Abbaseh received the title of Shazdeh Valieh as a result of her marriage, an important event, as it was the first example of the bestowal of the title Valieh, the female form of Vali, the title of her husband.
6. 2x Great Grandfather: Reza Qoli Khan Ardalan
Dates: Born early 1800s
Father to Abol Hassan Khan Ardalan, and the 35th Vali of Kurdestan. He was the penultimate Ardalan governor of Kurdistan and married the sister of Mohammad Shah Qajar to strengthen ties, known for lowering taxes and managing early realm affairs under his mother’s guidance during his youth.
7. 2x Great Grandmother: Touba Khamoum Qajar
Dates: Mid to late 19th century
Daughter of Crown Prince Abbas Mirza Qajar and mother to Abol Hassan Khan Ardalan, Touba Khamoum strengthened the Qajar connections through her heritage.
8. 3x Great Grandfather: Abdolsamad Mirza Ezz al-Dowleh Salour
Dates: 1843–1929
Persian prince of the Qajar Dynasty, held various governorships, served as Special Ambassador to Russia, and traveled extensively with his brother to Europe. Father to Abbaseh Salour and forbearer of Salour family.
9. 4x Great Grandparent: Mohammad Shah Qajar
Dates: 1808–1848
Third Qajar shah of Iran, focused on strengthening central authority, influenced by Sufi teachings, suppressed rival claims to the throne with international support.
10. Mastureh Ardalan
Dates: (1805–1848)
Mastoureh was a prominent Kurdish poet, historian, and intellectual from the Ardalan principality, which spanned parts of modern-day Iran and Iraq. Born in Sanandaj, she was renowned for her mastery of Kurdish, Persian, and Arabic, and her writings significantly contributed to Kurdish literary and historical discourse. Ardalan’s most famous work, Sharafnama-e-Kurdi, is a vital source on Kurdish history and culture.
Mastoureh’s poetry and prose reflect a deep understanding of the socio-political landscapes of her time, offering insights into the roles of women in Kurdish society. Her legacy endures as a pioneering figure in Kurdish literature and history.
Thanks to the following for additional information and images:
- Encyclopedia Iranica
- Journal of the International Qajar Studies Association
- Houri Moghadam Collection
- Wikipedia
This content was crafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence, which contributed to structuring the narrative, ensuring grammatical accuracy, summarizing key points, and enhancing the readability and coherence of the material.
