The Pahlavi family ruled for more than five decades before the 1979 revolution, shaping much of the country’s modern political, social, and institutional landscape. Their legacy remains deeply contested, evoking sharply different interpretations depending on historical experience, political outlook, and generational memory. The dynasty began with Reza Shah Pahlavi, who came to power in 1925.
His rule marked a decisive shift toward state centralization, secularization, and rapid modernization. Infrastructure development, the expansion of education, and the creation of a modern bureaucracy were among the most visible changes. At the same time, political pluralism was sharply curtailed, and dissent was often suppressed in the name of stability and nation-building.
