Fakhr-ol-Dowleh

Princess Ashraf al-Muluk (; 1883–December 1955), titled Fakhr-ol-Dowleh (فخرالدوله) , was one of the most prominent and influential Mozaffar ad-Din Shah of the Qajar dynasty. Known for her strong and resolute character, she was willing and able to confront even Reza Shah to defend her patrimony and rights. The daughter of Mozaffar al-Din Shah and Sarvar al-Saltaneh, she was also the sister of Abdol-Hossein Farman Farma, a cousin of Mohammad Mosaddegh, and the mother of Ali Amini. Beyond her royal lineage, she played a crucial role as an intermediary between Reza Shah Pahlavi and the Qajar dynasty, with her efforts being instrumental in maintaining peace and preventing bloodshed during a period of significant political transition.

At the age of fourteen, Fakhr-ol-Dowleh was married to Prince Mohsen, Amin-ol-Molk junior. His father, Mirza Ali Khan, Amin-ol-Molk senior, was a prominent prime minister under the Qajars who was often condemned for acting indecisively towards foreign powers, specifically Britain. This marriage was preceded by a complex series of events, as her cousin, Mohammad Mosaddegh, had also sought to marry her. However, the Shah preferred a more powerful political alliance for his daughter. This decision led to a chain reaction of rivalries and resentment, as Fakhr-ol-Dowleh's future husband was compelled to divorce his former fiancée—the daughter of another powerful figure, Moshir-ol-Dowleh to clear the way for the royal marriage. This action created lasting animosity between the two families.