Figure 1.--This 1926 photograph of Mohammad Reza Pahlav as a young boy right fter his father's coronation in 1926. The press caption read, "Son of Persia's new uler. Here is shown the first an exclusive photo of H.R.H. Shahpqur Reza Pahlavi, the Crown Prince of Persia, as he appeared with his body gurd, at the time of his father's ascent to the throne of Persia, as the new Shah. The corontion of the new ruler took place on April 26th.

The modern Iranian monarchy was founded by Ismail I (1501). He ended what is called the "fourth era" of political fragmentation. Ismail founded the Safavid dynasty (1501-1740). The other dynasties were the Afsharids, Zands, Qajars, and Pahlavis. The Iranian shahs or emperors ruled as absolute monarchs until the Persian Constitutional Revolution (1905-11). At that time, Iran became a constitutional monarchy. Reza Shah overthrew Ahmad Shah Qajar and founded the Pahlavi Dynasty (1925). He changed the name of the country to Iran, a name wgich had racist associations with the pre-historic Aryan peoples. Reza Shah had NAZI orientations. The Soviet Union and Britain occupied the country during World War II to ensure the safe passage of Lend Lease materials. The British replaced Reza Shah with his young son--Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. He proved to be the last shah. The Islamic Revolution led by the Ayatollah Khomeini forced Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to flee the country. The Islamic Revolution abolished the monarchy and created a theocratic republic.

Created: 2:12 AM 8/17/2008
Last updated: 2:12 AM 8/17/2008