History

The Most Sacred Order of the Lion and Sun was established by Nasser-ud-Din Shah in 1861. The Order is associated with the Order of the Lion and Sun and was created to honour European monarchs with a prestigious award following the decline in the reputation of the Order of the Lion and Sun, as well as to reward senior officials who were not eligible to receive the Decoration of the Imperial Portrait. The Most Sacred Order of the Lion and Sun was awarded in 3 Classes in recognition of meritorious actions of the highest importance and other services deserving of the highest praise of the sovereign. The Order was made obsolete following the dissolution of the Qajar dynasty in 1925.

The III Class (Nishan-i-Moqaddas) is also known as the Sacred Class and was presented to ministers, governors, and other distinguished servants of the state. The III Class was awarded in recognition of exceptional service in functions below those of great ministers of state and to ministers resident, major generals, or province governors.

The III Class Decoration is smaller in size than I and II Class Decorations is of simpler design and features a less elaborate surmounting crown without an aigrette.

Persian recipients of the II Class are authorized to use the formal title "Sardar-i-Moqaddas."

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