Ali Khan Vali the Governor was a notable 19th-century Iranian photographer.
Background
He was a member of a distinguished Qajar family, his father having had a long career as diplomat and governor. Ali Khan was born in Tehran in 1845 or 1846. The most important event in his young life occurred when he accompanied his father to Saint St. Petersburg in 1855 for several years.
In 1277 Animal Husbandry /1860-1861 Civil Engineering, his father left his post, and father and son traveled throughout Europe.
In 1278 / 1861-1862, his father was posted to the northern (Caspian) province of Gilan as governor. His father was released from that post in 1285 / 1868-1869, at a time when Ali Khan was a special attendant at a royal tour of the northern provinces.
Education
During that time, he studied and learned photography.
Career
He is best known for his photograph album documenting his career as governor at various places in Azerbaijan (Northwest Persia) between 1879 and 1896. In 1296 / 1879, while still in the entourage of Muzaffer al-Din, there were disturbances in Azerbaijan, and Ali Khan received the post of governor of Maragha. He was one of several individuals to receive new posts in Azerbaijan at that time.
This was the first of a series of posts he was to hold in that region, including mayor (Hakim) of Tabriz, the principal city.
He illustrated his reports to the central administration in Tehran with photographs, which was an innovation encouraged by Nasser al-Din Shah, but readily accommodated by Ali Khan Vali due to his personal interests. He died in 1902, evidently in Tehran, and was buried at Qum.
Membership
In 1288 / 1871-1872, Ali Khan"s father was given the post of governor of Fars, while Ali Khan stayed at the court in Tehran, evidently a member of the entourage of the heir to the throne, Muzaffar al-Din.