Evolution of Pishkolah (Front Hat) and Jegheh in Royal Headgear of the Qajar Period

In the Qajar period, the head covering was more important than its primary function, which was to protect against cold and heat. In fact, Qajar men wore hats in addition to a cover for protection, as a kind of habit according to their law, customs, and culture. Also, in this period, hats were always adorned with a front decoration crucial for the king, royal family, and nobles.During this period, hats were always adorned with a front decoration, essential for the king, royal family, and nobles.Based on this, the current research aims to investigate the types and evolution of the front hat in the royal headgear of the Qajar period. The front hat also includes all kinds of jewels, badges, and, most importantly jegheh, used by the kings of the Qajar period.The jeqheh in the front of the hat is a piece decorated with jewels installed on the hats of kings and court leaders. The collars of the royal hats differed in ornaments and decorations from other Jegheh. Historical studies show that ornaments in the front hat became common during the Sassanid period and after that. After the Sassanid period and the arrival of Islam in Iran, when the crown was no longer customary, the front hats were still used to decorate the dastar or turban of kings and rulers. This process continued until the Qajar era.The current research also addresses the following questions: What was the course of change and development in the appearance and use of the front hat in the royal headgear of the Qajar period? Did royal front hats in the Qajar period serve only a decorative purpose, or was there a deeper meaning behind their use? Relying on the descriptive-analytical method and citing library sources, historical documents, and field observations, the author has evaluated and analyzed the change and transformation process of this royal jewel on two historical and technical bases. This research reveals that royal hats in the Qajar period were not only crucial for the king’s status and served as the primary decorative element of his headdress but also evolved in manufacturing techniques, appearance, and usage due to the historical and cultural changes of the time. The front hat serves a purpose beyond decoration; its shape and design symbolize the king’s importance, strength, resilience, and divine connection.