The next interviewee of AzVision.az is Amir Ali Sardar Iravani. He is the descendant of the Qajar dynasty ruling Iravan Khanate. His ancestors from Qajar dynasty had been the rulers of Iravan for over 50 years before Russian occupation. He inherited his last name from them which means Sardar (Khan) of Iravan.

His ancestors moved to Maku in early XIX century...

- The other immigrants from Iravan had already established the khanate of Maku. Haji Mirza Aghasi, the chief minister of Mohammad Shah Qajar was also from Iravan and very close to my ancestor Mohammad Khan Sardar Iravani. Based on this close relationship, my ancestors came to the capital Tehran. They married with the daughter and sister of Shah and established their lost power and wealth of Iravan again in Tehran and different parts of Iran. They became the governors of Arak, Yazd and Kerman but maintained their connection to the homeland Iravan over decades.

Where were you born? What can you say about your student life, youth and education?

- I was born 42 years ago in Tehran. Tehran was declared as the capital city of Iran by Agha Mohammad Shah Qajar about 220 years ago . In 1830s my Ancestors moved from Maku to Tehran supporting Mohammad Shah Qajar rising to power. A very well known part of central Tehran was their property, where the current parliament is located there. My ancestors are also known as some of the first famous residents of Tehran. I grew up there like my parents are grandparents and great grandparents. I studied electrical engineering and worked there for some years as engineer.



Why did you go to Germany? How is your life in Germany? Do you work there?

- I came to Germany about 12 years ago in order to continue my studies in the electricalengineering field. Five years after my arrival in Germany I got a very good job offer. I am working since then as an engineer in the automotive industry.



Now let`s talk about your family. What do your children do? Does your wife come from your dynasty?

- I have only one daughter. She is ten years old at the moment. I married with my wife 20 years ago in Tehran. She is neither related to Iravan nor to the Qajars but very interested in the history of my family. My daughter is also very proud of her family name. She knows many things about that. We have many pictures in our house in memory of our Iravani ancestors. It`s like an illustrated story. If someone would be interested, he could learn many historical facts.



Have you been to Yerevan? What could you say about your impressions about the city? Is Yerevan as old as it was in your ancestor`s time? What did you feel? What about changes?

- Unfortunately not yet. It`s very sad for me to see the only preserved memory of my ancestors- the blue mosque of Iravan. This mosque was built by command of Hossein Ali Khan of Iravan, my seventh great grandfather ca. 1768 AD.



Have you been to Azerbaijan? If you haven’t, would you like to travel to Azerbaijan? Have you heard about Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan?

- I also haven`t been in Azerbaijan yet. There are so many friendly people I know in the meantime from Azerbaijan and from Baku. Baku should be a great city. But I love the pictures of the old city. New modern cities don`t attract me, I have seen enough of them. I think when you`re involved in developing of the most modern industry you would need a little bit nostalgia to be distracted of machine life.

What do Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis mean to you? Which languages do you speak?

- It`s very obvious to me that we have a very strong common feeling for Iravan. A part of my heart beats for Iravan even after so many years. I speak Farsi, English and German. I try to understand Azerbaijani but I didn`t have the real opportunity to learn the language of my ancestors.

Do you travel to Tabriz, Iran? Please share your views and impressions about the places you traveled in Iran.

- I have traveled to many cities of Iran also to Tabriz. As I said I love the nostalgia and everywhere I travel I look for that kind of sightseeing specially of the Qajar era. I spend a great part of my time for visiting Golestan palace and other archives and sites related to Qajars when I travel to Tehran.



Do you keep in contact with other members of Qajar dynasty?

- Yes, I am in contact with other members and many other researchers abroad who are interested in the history of this period.

You have shared `Sari Gelin` song on social media. What kind of impressions does arise from that song?

- I feel a part of my soul is living there. It`s some kind of relaxation when I think about old Iravan and this song is a kind of meditation. It reminds me to Iravan at the time of my ancestors.



Do you get in touch with somebody in Azerbaijan?

- I have some friends from Azerbaijan on social media. They are very kind and friendly. I am looking forward to know them better when I travel to Azerbaijan in future.

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