First Qajar-Era Marriage Contract (Original Document)

This document is the earliest marriage contract officially recorded in a notary-style format during the Qajar period.

Following the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, the contract specifies the following:

Dowry (Mahr):
A combination of a monetary amount (silver currency of the period) along with non-monetary assets.

Bride’s Dowry (Jahāz):
Items such as copper and brass utensils, handwoven carpets, traditional clothing, and essential household goods.

In the margins of the contract, the seals and signatures of witnesses and trusted community elders are visible, affirming the authenticity and legal validity of the document.

📌 This historical record marks the beginning of the formalization of marriage registration in Iran—transforming marriage from a purely familial agreement into an officially recognized legal and governmental contract.