Mohammed Reza Pahlevi, also known as Mohammad Reza Shah, was the last Shah (king) of Iran. He was born on October 26, 1919, in Tehran, Iran, and ruled the country from 1941 until his overthrow during the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
Pahlevi assumed the throne in 1941 following the forced abdication of his father, Reza Shah. During his reign, he aimed to modernize and westernize Iran, implementing a series of ambitious political, economic, and social reforms known as the "White Revolution." This included land reforms, industrialization efforts, increased oil revenues, and advancements in education, women's rights, and healthcare.
However, Pahlevi's reign was marked by increasing authoritarianism and political oppression. His regime became notorious for human rights abuses, censorship, and the suppression of political opposition. He heavily relied on the SAVAK, the feared secret police, for maintaining control.
Pahlevi's close ties with the United States and his pro-Western policies, particularly his support for the West's oil interests, created growing resentment among the population. This, combined with economic inequality and religious discontent, led to the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Following mass protests, Pahlevi was forced into exile on January 16, 1979, ultimately seeking medical treatment in Egypt.
He lived in exile until his death on July 27, 1980, in Cairo, Egypt. Pahlevi's reign and subsequent exile played a pivotal role in shaping the modern history of Iran, leaving a complicated and controversial legacy for him and his family.
