Qajar coffee ceremony as a means to ward off suitors in ‘The Tenth Night’

In iFilm English TV Channel’s ‘The Tenth Night’ to be aired at 20:00 GMT (23:30 Tehran time), Qajar coffee ceremony takes center stage, offering a unique strategy to fend off persistent suitors.

Fakhrol Zaman and her aunt Tajol Molouk are two princesses of the Qajar dynasty that is no more in power in the country as it has been toppled down by the Pahlavi.

The two women have trust in no companion other than one another and that is why when there is the prospect of a suitor to ask the young woman’s hand in marriage, they confide in their inherited ceremony to repulse that man.

It is well known in Iran that when the Qajar kings wanted to kill the enemies of the government, they resorted to Qajar coffee, which was a type of poisoned drink.

Following the era of Naser al-Din Shah, the practice of eliminating adversaries through the consumption of poisoned coffee, laced with cyanide, arsenic acid, or strychnine, gained widespread popularity.

Produced by Hassan Beshkoufeh and directed by Hassan Fathi, 'The Tenth Night' tells the tale of Heidar, who finds himself in a predicament after losing a bet.

As part of the wager, he must steal valuable items from a mansion once owned by a princess of the previous Qajar dynasty. However, since the monarchy has been overthrown by the new ruler, Reza Pahlavi, Heidar's task becomes even riskier.

When Heidar encounters the princess during his mission, he becomes enamored with her and proposes marriage. To dissuade him, the princess presents an impossible condition.

She challenges Heidar to organize and perform in a forbidden 10-night passion play known as Ta'zieh. This play recounts the tragic martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his loyal companions, traditionally staged during the mourning month of Muharram.

Accepting the challenge, Heidar embarks on the arduous task of staging the passion play.

Everything seems to be going well until the unexpected happens on the ninth night, leaving him facing unforeseen troubles on the ultimate night of the performance.

Notable actors in the cast include Sorayya Qasemi, Atash Taqipour, Roya Teymourian, Mahmoud Pakniyyat, Parviz Fallahipour, Parviz Pour-Hosseini, Hossein Yari, Katayoun Riahi, Akram Mohammadi, and Sediqeh Kianfar.

Originally released in 2001, 'The Tenth Night' will air daily at 20:00 GMT on iFilm English.

Additionally, each episode will be repeated the following day at 01:00, 07:00, and 12:00 (all GMT times). So mark your calendars and join us for this series that promises to enthrall and captivate audiences.

AA/MM