Pahlavi, Soraya (1932–2001)

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Pahlavi, Soraya (1932–2001)

Iranian princess. Name variations: Princess Soraya Esfandiari Bakhtiari; Princess Soraya; HM Empress Soraya; Queen of Persia. Born Soraya Esfandiari Bakhtiari on June 22, 1932, in Isfahan, Iran; died in Paris in Oct 2001; dau. of Khalil Esfandiari Bakhtiari and Eva Karl; educated in Isfahan, England and Switzerland; became 2nd wife of Muhammad Reza Pahlavi, also known as Riza I Pahlavi, shah of Iran (r. 1941–1979, deposed), on Feb 12, 1951 (div. Mar 14, 1958); never remarried; no children. Muhammad Reza Pahlavi was also married to Fawzia and to Farah Pahlavi.

Spent 7 years at the royal court in Iran, but failed to give birth to any children (specifically, a male heir).

See also Soraya: The Autobiography of Her Imperial Highness Princess Soraya; and Women in World History.