The Air Accident in Mazandaran
On the fateful day of 25 Mehr 1333, Alireza Pahlavi lost his life in an air crash near Yasal village. Alireza had been on a flight in northern Iran, though the purpose of the journey remains unclear. The incident occurred in a mountainous region, adding to the difficulty of recovery and investigation. His death was an unexpected blow to the Pahlavi family, as it not only left a personal void but also raised questions about the succession and future of the dynasty.
Many aspects of the crash remain uncertain to this day. While some attributed it to technical malfunctions, others speculated about sabotage or foul play, especially considering the political tensions Iran faced at the time. The period was marked by rising opposition to the Pahlavi regime, with various factions opposing the Shah’s policies, and the mysterious death of the Shah’s brother was inevitably the subject of rumor and conspiracy theories.
Uncertain Burial Location: Shah Abdul Azim vs. Rifai Mosque
Alireza Pahlavi’s body was reportedly interred in the Shah Abdul Azim Shrine, located in the city of Ray near Tehran. However, conflicting accounts suggest that his remains, along with those of his father, Reza Shah Pahlavi, may have been moved to the Rifai Mosque in Cairo. The timing of this potential transfer remains speculative, with some suggesting that it took place just before the Pahlavi family left Iran in January 1979, as the Islamic Revolution loomed.