Empress Farah Pahlavi

Empress Farah Pahlavi is an iconic figure in Iran, renowned for her efforts to promote the advancement of women’s rights and civil liberty. Farah taught herself Farsi, became a proficient oil painter, and served as the symbolic leader of her people. As Empress consort to the Shah of Iran, Farah Pahlavi changed the political and social course of her country, lifting the veil of suppression from women’s rights, advocating for civil liberties, and championing social reforms.

Farah Diba was born on October 14, 1938 in Tehran, Iran. She was the only daughter of military officer, Major Reza Diba, and Farideh Ghotbi Diba. Raised in a large household filled with intellectuals, Farah Diba was a bright and ambitious child. She attended the Austrian School of Tehran until she was 17 and had a special flair for language and art. Before graduating from the University of Tehran, Farah studied architecture and French literature.

During the Iranian Revolution in 1965, Farah met the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. She was instantly charmed by the Shah, and they fell in love. Farah married the Shah in 1959, and she became the Empress consort of Iran. The people of Iran embraced Farah and she was known affectionately as the “Sun Empress” or “Light Of The Aryans”.

As Empress, Farah set out to improve the nation and to bring peace, understanding, and growth to her people. She was affectionately known by Iranians as Empress Farah Pahlavi. Farah was the driving force behind a host of reforms in the country, including the liberalization of divorce laws and the granting of permission for women to vote. She was also involved in the construction of numerous buildings, from hospitals to libraries, to commerce centers and beyond.

Moves such as establishing the Scholarships of Beds, Dressings, and Furnishing for college students and the Women’s Social and Cultural Council, showed her commitment towards advancing her people to a more progressive era. Farah was an advocate for the rights of children as she founded the Farah Pahlavi Children Foundation, an organization working to protect the rights of children and improve their lives. She was known to travel extensively and to meet with world leaders to discuss diplomatic inquiries and projects.

In 1977, a political revolution began in Iran, which ultimately resulted in Farah and the Shah leaving the country in exile. However, the legacy they left continues to this day. Farah Pahlavi’s tireless efforts to improve the lives of women and children, to promote art, culture and education, and to ensure civil liberties remain an inspiring example of how one person can help bring about meaningful change.

Today, Farah Pahlavi is still devoted to her advocacy work and continues to travel the world promoting her causes. She has been honored by institutions from the United Nations to the Women’s Hall of Fame for her efforts to improve the lives of Iranians, and arguably, of women around the world.