The Burial of Alireza Pahlavi: Legacy and Speculation
Alireza’s body was interred near his father in the city of Ray, a location chosen both for its historical significance and its connection to the Pahlavi family. The mausoleum of Reza Shah in Ray had been constructed as a symbol of the Pahlavi dynasty’s enduring legacy. The mausoleum became a national landmark, revered by supporters of the monarchy and seen as a testament to Reza Shah’s contributions to Iran.
Alireza’s burial in this prestigious site underscored his unofficial status as a potential heir, and it further intensified the sense of loss felt by those who viewed him as an alternative figure to Mohammad Reza Shah. This narrative took on greater significance after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which saw the fall of the Pahlavi dynasty and the establishment of the Islamic Republic.
The Destruction of Reza Shah’s Mausoleum
In 1980, a year after the Iranian Revolution, Reza Shah’s mausoleum was destroyed by revolutionary forces. The destruction of this monument represented a symbolic break from the monarchy and was intended to erase the Pahlavi legacy from Iran’s physical landscape. During the demolition, however, no remains of Alireza Pahlavi were reportedly found, leading to speculation that his body had been moved.