Prince Ahmad Reza Pahlavi
H.I.H. Prince Ahmad Reza Pahlavi was born on September 27, 1925, as a son of
Reza Shah Pahlavi and Esmat Dowlatshahi (1905–1995). He was a member of the later generation of the Pahlavi royal family and lived a comparatively private life within the broader history of the dynasty.
Early Life and Education
Prince Ahmad Reza Pahlavi received his primary education in Iran and later continued his secondary studies in Switzerland. He subsequently enrolled in Tehran’s military school; however, following the abdication of his father in 1941, he accompanied Reza Shah into exile in South Africa.
Three years later, he continued his education in Beirut. Following the passing of his father, he returned to Iran and resumed his life within the circle of the Pahlavi family.
Marriage and Children
In 1946, Prince Ahmad Reza Pahlavi married Simintaj Bahrami, the daughter of Hossein-Khan Bahrami, a physician and political figure. Their marriage produced two children: Shahrokh Pahlavi (born 1947) and Shahla Pahlavi (born 1948). The marriage ended in divorce in 1954.
In 1958, he married Rosa Bozorgnia, daughter of the writer, poet, and politician Mohammad Bozorgnia, known by the pen name “Danesh.” Their marriage produced three children: Shahin Pahlavi, Shahrnaz Pahlavi, and Parinaz Pahlavi.
Life and Residence
Prince Ahmad Reza Pahlavi was not notably active in political, economic, or social affairs and rarely appeared at court. He maintained a reserved and somewhat secluded life compared to some of his siblings.
He resided in a relatively simple two-story residence on the northern side of the Sa’dabad Complex near the Darband gate. Unlike some of the more ornate buildings within the complex, his residence was understated in style, reflecting a quieter and more private existence.
Later Years and Legacy
Following the Iranian Revolution, Prince Ahmad Reza Pahlavi and his family left Iran. His former residence within the Sa’dabad Complex was later repurposed by governmental and cultural institutions, serving at various times as administrative and archival space.
Prince Ahmad Reza Pahlavi passed away in France in 1981 after suffering from leukemia. His life remains part of the broader historical narrative of the Pahlavi dynasty, representing one of its more private and less publicly visible branches.
Family
Son of
Reza Shah Pahlavi (1878–1944)
and Esmat Dowlatshahi (1905–1995)
Siblings and Half-Siblings
- Princess Hamdam al-Saltaneh Pahlavi (1903–1992)
- Princess Shams Pahlavi (1917–1996)
- Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi (1919–1980)
- Princess Ashraf Pahlavi (1919–2016)
- Prince Ali Reza Pahlavi (1922–1954)
- Prince Gholam Reza Pahlavi (1923–2017)
- Prince Abdul Reza Pahlavi (1924–2004)
- Prince Mahmoud Reza Pahlavi (1926–2001)
- Princess Fatemeh Pahlavi (1928–1987)
- Prince Hamid Reza Pahlavi (1932–1992)
Marriage and Issue
- 1st Spouse: Simintaj Bahrami (m. 1946; div. 1954)
- Issue: Shahrokh Pahlavi (born 1947)
- Issue: Shahla Pahlavi (born 1948)
- 2nd Spouse: Rosa Bozorgnia (m. 1958)
- Issue: Shahin Pahlavi
- Issue: Shahrnaz Pahlavi
- Issue: Parinaz Pahlavi