Reza Cyrus Pahlavi
Encyclopedia
Prince Reza Pahlavi is the last crown prince of the former Imperial State of Iran and current head of the House of Pahlavi
. He is the older son of the late Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
, and his Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi
. In 1979, Reza Pahlavi left Iran at the time of the Iranian Revolution
.
, Iran
, as eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
, the last Shah of Iran, and Empress Farah Pahlavi
. Reza Pahlavi's siblings include his sister Princess Farahnaz Pahlavi
(12 March 1963), brother Prince Ali-Reza Pahlavi (28 April 1966 – 4 January 2011), and sister Princess Leila Pahlavi
(27 March 1970 – 10 June 2001), as well as a half-sister, Princess Shahnaz Pahlavi
(27 October 1940).
He left Iran at the age of 17 for air force training. He spent a year at Williams College
, but was forced to leave because of the turmoil in Iran. With the monarchy overthrown and an Islamic Republic established, Reza Pahlavi did not return to Iran. He received a BSc
degree by correspondence in political science
from the University of Southern California
, because Williams did not offer that option. A jet fighter pilot, Reza Pahlavi completed the United States Air Force Training Program at the former Reese Air Force Base
in Lubbock, Texas
. In 1980, at the start of the Iran–Iraq War, Pahlavi, a highly-trained fighter pilot, wrote to General Valiollah Fallahi
, Chief Commander of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic, offering to fight in the air force for Iran in the war. The offer was rebuffed.
With the death of his father on 27 July 1980, Reza Pahlavi became the Head of the House of Pahlavi
.
Reza Pahlavi has written three books on the state of Iran.
According to Iranian writer Reza Bayegan, Prince Reza Pahlavi is deeply attached to his Shi'ite Muslim faith. He has named one of his daughters Iman
(meaning faith in Arabic), and has performed the Hajj
(pilgrimage) to Mecca
.
on June 12, 1986. Yasmine, a graduate of the George Washington University
School of Law, worked for ten years as a lawyer for the Children’s Law Center as a legal advocate for at-risk youth. Yasmine also founded the Foundation for the Children of Iran in 1991, a non-profit foundation that provides health care services to Iranian children or children of Iranian origin.
Reza Pahlavi and his wife Yasmine have three daughters: Noor (born April 3, 1992), Iman (born September 12, 1993), and Farah (born January 17, 2004).
, democracy, and unity among Iranians in Iran and outside it. On his website he calls for a separation of religion and state in Iran and for free and fair elections "for all freedom-loving individuals and political ideologies". He exhorts all groups dedicated to a democratic agenda to work together for a democratic and secular Iranian government.
According to Reza Bayegan, Prince Pahlavi believes in the separation of religion from politics. However, Pahlavi avoids the "Islam bashing
" that Bayegan writes occurs in some circles of the Iranian opposition. Rather, he believes that religion has a humanizing and ethical role in shaping individual character and infusing society with greater purpose.
Pahlavi wrote in his book, Winds of Change:
Pahlavi has used media appearances to urge Iran's theocratic government to accept a referendum
that uses independently verifiable international standards and observation mechanisms. He has also urged Iranians to engage in a campaign of non-violent civil disobedience
, starting with non-participation in elections of the Islamic republic
(elections he views as undemocratic), followed by peaceful demonstrations and strikes
. He is, however, an outspoken opponent of any foreign military intervention for regime change in Iran, believing that the people of Iran alone have the power to bring about change in their governmental system and society.
Other samples of his speeches are in the External Links below.
in Tehran that Iran’s youth were determined to get rid of an authoritarian government tainted by corruption and misrule in the hope of installing a democracy. “Fundamental and necessary change is long overdue for our region and we have a whole generation of young Egyptian and Iranians not willing to take no for an answer,” Pahlavi told the Daily Telegraph. “Democratisation is now an imperative that cannot be denied. It is only a matter of time before the whole region can transform itself.
was founded early in the twentieth century. The revolution of 1979 led to the replacement of the Iranian constitutional monarchy (de facto absolute monarchy) with an Islamic republic
. Although he currently lives in exile, Pahlavi is still regarded by some Iranians as the current Shah of Iran
. After the death of his father, Mohammad-Rezā Shāh Pahlavi
, Pahlavi symbolically declared himself Shāhanshāh (Literally, King of Kings
in Persian) at the age of 21, but now his press releases refer to him as either "Reza Pahlavi" or "the former Crown Prince of Iran".
House of Pahlavi
The House of Pahlavi is the imperial house which ruled Iran from the Coronation of Rezā Shāh in 1925, following the overthrow of Ahmad Shah Qajar, the last ruler of the Sublime State of Persia, which was already weakened by Soviet and British occupation...
. He is the older son of the late Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
Mohammad Rezā Shāh Pahlavi, Shah of Iran, Shah of Persia , ruled Iran from 16 September 1941 until his overthrow by the Iranian Revolution on 11 February 1979...
, and his Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi
Farah Pahlavi
Farah Pahlavi is the former Queen and Empress of Iran. She is the widow of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran, and only Empress of modern Iran...
. In 1979, Reza Pahlavi left Iran at the time of the Iranian Revolution
Iranian Revolution
The Iranian Revolution refers to events involving the overthrow of Iran's monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and its replacement with an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the...
.
Biography
Reza Pahlavi was born in TehranTehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
, Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
, as eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
Mohammad Rezā Shāh Pahlavi, Shah of Iran, Shah of Persia , ruled Iran from 16 September 1941 until his overthrow by the Iranian Revolution on 11 February 1979...
, the last Shah of Iran, and Empress Farah Pahlavi
Farah Pahlavi
Farah Pahlavi is the former Queen and Empress of Iran. She is the widow of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran, and only Empress of modern Iran...
. Reza Pahlavi's siblings include his sister Princess Farahnaz Pahlavi
Farahnaz Pahlavi
Princess Farahnaz Pahlavi is the eldest daughter of the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran by his third wife, Empress Farah Diba....
(12 March 1963), brother Prince Ali-Reza Pahlavi (28 April 1966 – 4 January 2011), and sister Princess Leila Pahlavi
Leila Pahlavi
Princess Leila Pahlavi , , born in Tehran, Iran was the youngest daughter of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Shah of Iran, and his third wife, Farah Pahlavi.-Early life:Leila was born on 27 March 1970 in Tehran...
(27 March 1970 – 10 June 2001), as well as a half-sister, Princess Shahnaz Pahlavi
Shahnaz Pahlavi
Princess Shahnaz Pahlavi is the first child of the late Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and his first wife, Princess Fawzia of Egypt.A former Princess of Iran, she was born in Tehran but since the Iranian revolution has lived in Switzerland....
(27 October 1940).
He left Iran at the age of 17 for air force training. He spent a year at Williams College
Williams College
Williams College is a private liberal arts college located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, United States. It was established in 1793 with funds from the estate of Ephraim Williams. Originally a men's college, Williams became co-educational in 1970. Fraternities were also phased out during this...
, but was forced to leave because of the turmoil in Iran. With the monarchy overthrown and an Islamic Republic established, Reza Pahlavi did not return to Iran. He received a BSc
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
degree by correspondence in political science
Political science
Political Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
from the University of Southern California
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
, because Williams did not offer that option. A jet fighter pilot, Reza Pahlavi completed the United States Air Force Training Program at the former Reese Air Force Base
Reese Air Force Base
Reese Air Force Base was a base of the United States Air Force located 6 mi west of Lubbock, Texas, about 225 mi WNW of Fort Worth...
in Lubbock, Texas
Lubbock, Texas
Lubbock is a city in and the county seat of Lubbock County, Texas, United States. The city is located in the northwestern part of the state, a region known historically as the Llano Estacado, and the home of Texas Tech University and Lubbock Christian University...
. In 1980, at the start of the Iran–Iraq War, Pahlavi, a highly-trained fighter pilot, wrote to General Valiollah Fallahi
Valiollah Fallahi
Chief of Staff General Valiollah Fallahi , was a prominent figure during the Iran-Iraq war which lasted from September 1980 to August 1988....
, Chief Commander of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic, offering to fight in the air force for Iran in the war. The offer was rebuffed.
With the death of his father on 27 July 1980, Reza Pahlavi became the Head of the House of Pahlavi
House of Pahlavi
The House of Pahlavi is the imperial house which ruled Iran from the Coronation of Rezā Shāh in 1925, following the overthrow of Ahmad Shah Qajar, the last ruler of the Sublime State of Persia, which was already weakened by Soviet and British occupation...
.
Reza Pahlavi has written three books on the state of Iran.
According to Iranian writer Reza Bayegan, Prince Reza Pahlavi is deeply attached to his Shi'ite Muslim faith. He has named one of his daughters Iman
Iman
Iman, also spelled imaan, may refer to:Islam* Iman , Islamic termGiven name:* Chanel Iman , American fashion model* Iman , Somali supermodel...
(meaning faith in Arabic), and has performed the Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
(pilgrimage) to Mecca
Mecca
Mecca is a city in the Hijaz and the capital of Makkah province in Saudi Arabia. The city is located inland from Jeddah in a narrow valley at a height of above sea level...
.
Family
Reza married Yasmine Etemad AminiYasmine Pahlavi
Yasmine Pahlavi is the wife of Reza Pahlavi, the last crown prince of the former Imperial State of Iran.-Biography:...
on June 12, 1986. Yasmine, a graduate of the George Washington University
George Washington University
The George Washington University is a private, coeducational comprehensive university located in Washington, D.C. in the United States...
School of Law, worked for ten years as a lawyer for the Children’s Law Center as a legal advocate for at-risk youth. Yasmine also founded the Foundation for the Children of Iran in 1991, a non-profit foundation that provides health care services to Iranian children or children of Iranian origin.
Reza Pahlavi and his wife Yasmine have three daughters: Noor (born April 3, 1992), Iman (born September 12, 1993), and Farah (born January 17, 2004).
Politics
Reza Pahlavi has used his high profile status as an Iranian abroad to campaign politically for human rightsHuman rights
Human rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
, democracy, and unity among Iranians in Iran and outside it. On his website he calls for a separation of religion and state in Iran and for free and fair elections "for all freedom-loving individuals and political ideologies". He exhorts all groups dedicated to a democratic agenda to work together for a democratic and secular Iranian government.
According to Reza Bayegan, Prince Pahlavi believes in the separation of religion from politics. However, Pahlavi avoids the "Islam bashing
Islamophobia
Islamophobia describes prejudice against, hatred or irrational fear of Islam or MuslimsThe term dates back to the late 1980s or early 1990s, but came into common usage after the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States....
" that Bayegan writes occurs in some circles of the Iranian opposition. Rather, he believes that religion has a humanizing and ethical role in shaping individual character and infusing society with greater purpose.
Pahlavi wrote in his book, Winds of Change:
Pahlavi has used media appearances to urge Iran's theocratic government to accept a referendum
Referendum
A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. This may result in the adoption of a new constitution, a constitutional amendment, a law, the recall of an elected official or simply a specific government policy. It is a form of...
that uses independently verifiable international standards and observation mechanisms. He has also urged Iranians to engage in a campaign of non-violent civil disobedience
Civil disobedience
Civil disobedience is the active, professed refusal to obey certain laws, demands, and commands of a government, or of an occupying international power. Civil disobedience is commonly, though not always, defined as being nonviolent resistance. It is one form of civil resistance...
, starting with non-participation in elections of the Islamic republic
Islamic republic
Islamic republic is the name given to several states in the Muslim world including the Islamic Republics of Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Mauritania. Pakistan adopted the title under the constitution of 1956. Mauritania adopted it on 28 November 1958. Iran adopted it after the 1979 Iranian...
(elections he views as undemocratic), followed by peaceful demonstrations and strikes
Strike action
Strike action, also called labour strike, on strike, greve , or simply strike, is a work stoppage caused by the mass refusal of employees to work. A strike usually takes place in response to employee grievances. Strikes became important during the industrial revolution, when mass labour became...
. He is, however, an outspoken opponent of any foreign military intervention for regime change in Iran, believing that the people of Iran alone have the power to bring about change in their governmental system and society.
Human rights
On March 27, 2010, Reza Pahlavi was invited by the International Society of Human Rights in Bonn, Germany, to speak on the challenge of implementing democracy and human rights in Iran; a sample excerpt from this speech follows:Other samples of his speeches are in the External Links below.
Quotes
- History has repeatedly proven to us that a clear separation between religion and state is imperative in order to have the right circumstances for democratic governance.
- Idealism and realism, behavior change and regime change do not require different policies but the same: empowering the Iranian people.
- June 22, 2009: "At worst, fanatical tyrants who know that the future is against them may end their present course on their terms: a nuclear holocaust,"
2011 comments
In February 2011, Pahlavi said after violence erupted2011 Iranian protests
The 2011 Iranian protests are a series of demonstrations across Iran which began on 14 February 2011, called "The Day of Rage". The protests followed the 2009–2010 Iranian election protests and were influenced by other concurrent protests in the region...
in Tehran that Iran’s youth were determined to get rid of an authoritarian government tainted by corruption and misrule in the hope of installing a democracy. “Fundamental and necessary change is long overdue for our region and we have a whole generation of young Egyptian and Iranians not willing to take no for an answer,” Pahlavi told the Daily Telegraph. “Democratisation is now an imperative that cannot be denied. It is only a matter of time before the whole region can transform itself.
Monarchy
Following in a line of Iranian monarchic dynasties stretching back 3000 years, the Pahlavi dynastyPahlavi dynasty
The Pahlavi dynasty consisted of two Iranian/Persian monarchs, father and son Reza Shah Pahlavi and Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi The Pahlavi dynasty consisted of two Iranian/Persian monarchs, father and son Reza Shah Pahlavi (reg. 1925–1941) and Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi The Pahlavi dynasty ...
was founded early in the twentieth century. The revolution of 1979 led to the replacement of the Iranian constitutional monarchy (de facto absolute monarchy) with an Islamic republic
Islamic republic
Islamic republic is the name given to several states in the Muslim world including the Islamic Republics of Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Mauritania. Pakistan adopted the title under the constitution of 1956. Mauritania adopted it on 28 November 1958. Iran adopted it after the 1979 Iranian...
. Although he currently lives in exile, Pahlavi is still regarded by some Iranians as the current Shah of Iran
Pahlavi dynasty
The Pahlavi dynasty consisted of two Iranian/Persian monarchs, father and son Reza Shah Pahlavi and Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi The Pahlavi dynasty consisted of two Iranian/Persian monarchs, father and son Reza Shah Pahlavi (reg. 1925–1941) and Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi The Pahlavi dynasty ...
. After the death of his father, Mohammad-Rezā Shāh Pahlavi
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
Mohammad Rezā Shāh Pahlavi, Shah of Iran, Shah of Persia , ruled Iran from 16 September 1941 until his overthrow by the Iranian Revolution on 11 February 1979...
, Pahlavi symbolically declared himself Shāhanshāh (Literally, King of Kings
King of Kings
King of Kings is a title that has been used by several monarchies and empires throughout history. The title originates in the Ancient Near East. It is broadly the equivalent of the later title Emperor....
in Persian) at the age of 21, but now his press releases refer to him as either "Reza Pahlavi" or "the former Crown Prince of Iran".
Succession
Succession is theoretical, as the Iranian monarchy was abolished with the Islamic Constitution in Iran in 1980. He is the current contender in the succession line to his late father and Ali Patrick Pahlavi is the second in line.Titles, styles and honours
Titles and styles
- His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince of Iran (1960–1979)
- His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Reza of Iran (pretenderPretenderA pretender is one who claims entitlement to an unavailable position of honour or rank. Most often it refers to a former monarch, or descendant thereof, whose throne is occupied or claimed by a rival, or has been abolished....
, 1979–present) - Reza Pahlavi (commoner name, 1979–present)
Honours
- Grand Collar of the Order of Pahlavi (26 September 1967, Iran)
- Mohammad Rezā Shāh Pahlavi Coronation medal (1967, Iran)
- Knight of the Order of the SeraphimOrder of the SeraphimThe Royal Order of the Seraphim is a Swedish Royal order of chivalry created by King Frederick I of Sweden on 23 February 1748, together with the Order of the Sword and the Order of the Polar Star...
(November 24, 1970, SwedenSwedenSweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
) - 25th Anniversary medal (1971, Iran)
- Persepolis medal (1971, Iran)
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian RepublicOrder of Merit of the Italian RepublicThe Order of Merit of the Italian Republic was founded as the senior order of knighthood by the second President of the Italian Republic, Luigi Einaudi in 1951...
(December 15, 1974, Italy) - He was awarded the Royal Order of the Drum by King Kigeli VKing Kigeli V of RwandaKigeli V Ndahindurwa was the ruling King of Rwanda from 25 Jul 1959 until 28 Jan 1961. He was born in Kamembe, Rwanda...
(RwandaRwandaRwanda or , officially the Republic of Rwanda , is a country in central and eastern Africa with a population of approximately 11.4 million . Rwanda is located a few degrees south of the Equator, and is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo...
) - In 2004, Reza Pahlavi was named as the "unofficial godfatherGodparentA godparent, in many denominations of Christianity, is someone who sponsors a child's baptism. A male godparent is a godfather, and a female godparent is a godmother...
" of Princess Louise of BelgiumPrincess Louise of BelgiumPrincess Louise of Belgium born Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, 6 February 2004, is the first child of Prince Laurent and Princess Claire of Belgium. She is currently 13th in the line of succession to the Belgian throne.-Family:...
the eighth granddaughter of King Albert II of Belgium. The decision to choose him was criticized by the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Publications
- Reza Pahlavi, IRAN: L’Heure du Choix [IRAN: The Deciding Hour] (Denoël, 2009)
- Reza Pahlavi, Winds of Change: The Future of Democracy in IranWinds of Change: The Future of Democracy in IranWinds of Change: The Future of Democracy in Iran is a book written by Prince Reza Pahlavi II, Crown Prince of Iran, and Pretender and Heir to the Peacock Throne. The book is dedicated to the future of Iran...
, Regnery PublishingRegnery PublishingRegnery Publishing in Washington, D.C., is a publisher which specializes in conservative books characterized on their website as "contrary to those of 'mainstream' publishers in New York." Since 1993, Regnery Publishing has been a division of Eagle Publishing, which also owns the weekly magazine...
Inc., 2002, ISBN 0-89526-191-X. - Reza Pahlavi, Gozashteh va Ayandeh, London: Kayham Publishing, 2000.