Payam Javan
Farah Pahlavi, born Farah Diba on October 14, 1938, in Tehran, Iran, was destined for a life of significance. As the only child of Captain Sohrab Diba and Mrs. Farideh Ghotbi, she hailed from an upper-class family with a rich heritage. Her grandfather had served as the Persian Ambassador to the Romanov Court in St. Petersburg, Russia, during the late 19th century.
A Royal Union
In a grand royal wedding held in Tehran on December 21, 1959, Farah Diba married Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran. This union marked the beginning of her extraordinary journey as a queen and later as an empress. She was crowned Shahbanu (Empress) during the coronation ceremony on October 26, 1967.
Breaking Barriers
Empress Farah shattered conventions during her two decades on the throne. Notably:
• She became Iran’s first crowned female sovereign and the first woman crowned anywhere in the Muslim world.
• As a trailblazer, she publicly donated blood, setting an example for women in a Muslim country.
Charitable Endeavors and Cultural Contributions
Empress Farah was not content with mere ceremonial duties. She actively engaged in philanthropy and cultural initiatives:
• She championed numerous charities, working tirelessly to improve the lives of Iranians.
• Her most significant achievement was the establishment of Iran’s first American-style university, which opened doors for more women to pursue higher education.
• Empress Farah also played a pivotal role in repatriating Iranian antiquities from museums abroad, preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.
Challenges and Exile
As the late 1970s unfolded, Iran faced growing anti-imperial unrest fueled by various ideologies. The Shahbanu and the Shah were forced to leave the country in January 1979 under the threat of a death sentence. Few nations were willing to harbor them, but Anwar Sadat’s Egypt provided refuge. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi passed away in exile in July 1980, leaving Empress Farah a widow.
Legacy and Life Beyond the Throne
In widowhood, Farah Pahlavi continued her charitable work, dividing her time between Washington, D.C., and Paris. Known as the “Jackie Kennedy of the Middle East,” she remains popular among Iranians for her contributions to arts and culture.
Empress Farah’s legacy endures—a testament to her grace, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her people.
