Early Years and Family History: Farah Diba was born into an affluent and aristocratic family in Tehran, Iran. Her father, Sohrab Diba, was an officer in the Imperial Iranian Armed Forces, and her mother, Farideh Ghotbi, came from a wealthy family. She grew up in a privileged environment, receiving her early education at the Italian School in Tehran and later at the French Jeanne d’Arc School.
Farah’s father passed away when she was nine years old, which brought financial difficulties to the family. Her mother had to manage the household, and Farah experienced the hardship of losing a parent at a young age.
Marriage and Rise to Stardom: Farah Diba married Mohammad Reza Pahlavi on December 21, 1959, becoming the Empress of Iran. As the Shah’s third wife, Farah took on significant public responsibilities. She was the first Iranian queen to be crowned Empress (Shahbanu) since the Muslim conquest of Persia, and she played a crucial role in Iran’s cultural and social programs.
Contributions and Successes: Farah Pahlavi was highly active in cultural and philanthropic activities. She established many institutions focusing on education, health, and culture, such as the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art and the Shiraz Arts Festival. Her work aimed to modernize Iran and improve the lives of its citizens, particularly focusing on women’s rights and cultural development.
Hardships and Exile: The Iranian Revolution of 1979 marked a dramatic turn in Farah Pahlavi’s life. The Shah’s regime was overthrown, and the royal family had to flee Iran. They sought refuge in several countries before settling in Egypt, where the Shah passed away in 1980. After his death, Farah lived in the United States for some years before moving to Paris.
Life in Exile and Recent Years: In exile, Farah Pahlavi continued her philanthropic efforts, focusing on Iranian communities abroad and preserving Iranian culture and heritage. She has also written memoirs detailing her life experiences, including “An Enduring Love: My Life with the Shah” which provides an intimate look at her life before and after the revolution.
Legacy: Farah Pahlavi is remembered for her significant contributions to Iranian culture and her role as a modernizer during her time as Empress. Despite the hardships of exile, she has remained an influential figure, advocating for cultural preservation and humanitarian efforts.
Real Name: Farah Diba Pahlavi
Date of Birth: October 14, 1938
Birth Place: Tehran, Iran
Residence: Paris, France (as of recent reports)
Profession: Former Empress of Iran, philanthropist, author
Nationality: Iranian
Religion: Shia Islam (although her focus has often been on humanitarian and cultural work rather than religious aspects)
Partner: Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (married 1959, died 1980)
Father: Sohrab Diba
Mother: Farideh Ghotbi
Horoscope: Libra
Age: 85 years old
Height: 173 cm
Body Type: Slim/Average
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Brown (often seen with dark hair, though it has varied)