Prince Ali-Reza Pahlavi
H.I.H. Prince Ali-Reza Pahlavi, the third child of Their Imperial Majesties Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi and Empress Farah Pahlavi, was born in Tehran on April 28, 1966. He was remembered as a much-loved son and loyal friend, known for his sense of humor, intellectual curiosity, and deep passion for Iranian culture. He was also an accomplished athlete who enjoyed skydiving, scuba diving, and operating an aircraft.
Early Life and Education
Prince Ali-Reza attended primary school in Tehran at the Lycée Razi and the Niavaran Palace School. Following the departure of the Pahlavi family from Iran in January 1979, he continued his secondary education at St. David’s School in New York City, followed by high school at the American College in Cairo, Egypt. He later returned to the United States in 1981 to complete his high school education at Mt. Greylock Regional High School in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
He graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Ethnomusicology, and later completed a Master of Arts in Ancient Iranian Studies at Columbia University in New York. At the time of his passing on January 4, 2011, he was near completion of a doctorate at Harvard University in Ancient Iranian Studies and Philology.
Family
Father: Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi
Mother: H.I.M. Empress Farah Pahlavi
Daughter: Iryana
Companion: Ms. Raha Didevar
Siblings:
- Princess Shahnaz Pahlavi (October 27, 1940)
- Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi (October 31, 1960)
- Princess Farahnaz Pahlavi (March 12, 1963)
- Princess Leila Pahlavi (March 27, 1970 – June 10, 2001)
Scholarship and Interests
Prince Ali-Reza devoted himself to the study of pre-Islamic Iranian history, as well as the languages and cultures of ancient Iran. His academic work reflected a profound commitment to preserving and advancing knowledge of Iranian civilization. Those who knew him remembered both his lively intellect and his sincere love for Iran’s history and heritage.
Legacy and Remembrance
The memory of H.I.H. Prince Ali-Reza Pahlavi endures with deep affection and respect. His life reflected intelligence, warmth, cultural devotion, and scholarly promise. In his memory, the foundation bearing his name continues to support Ancient Iranian Studies and honor his enduring connection to Iran’s history and culture.