Pahlavi, Farah (1938–)

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Pahlavi, Farah (1938–)

Empress of Iran. Name variations: Farah Diba. Crowned empress on Oct 26, 1967. Born in Tehran, Iran, Oct 14, 1938; dau. of Sohrab Diba (captain in imperial Iranian army) and Farideh Ghotbi; attended Tehran's Jeanne d'Arc and Razi schools; attended École d'Architecture in Paris; became 3rd wife of Muhammad Reza Pahlavi, also known as Riza I Pahlavi, shah of Iran (r. 1941–1979, deposed), on Dec 20, 1959; children: Prince Reza (crown prince) also known as Reza II Pahlavi (b. 1960); Princess Farahnaz (b. 1963); Prince Ali Reza (b. 1966); Princess Leila (1970–2001).

Champion of women's broader roles in Iranian society, was also a highly visible patron of numerous charitable, cultural, medical and educational organizations; became the 1st woman in 2,500 years to be crowned empress of Iran (1967); deposed with husband (1979).

See also memoir, An Enduring Love (Miramax, 2004); and Women in World History.