The early years of her life were shaped by both privilege and sudden loss. When Farah was still a young girl, her father passed away after battling illness. His death profoundly affected her and her mother, who moved in with relatives. Despite financial strain, Farah’s upbringing continued to emphasize education and refinement. Summers spent in the cool northern districts near Tehran provided cherished memories of climbing trees, playing outdoors, and enjoying an active childhood.
Farah later described herself as adventurous and athletic. This spirited temperament would later contrast with the ceremonial constraints of royal life, yet it also prepared her for the responsibilities that awaited her.
Education and Intellectual Formation
Farah’s formal education began at an Italian school in Tehran and continued at the Joan of Arc School. There, she distinguished herself academically and athletically. She excelled in basketball, captaining her team to several championships, and also competed in track and field. Teachers praised her sharp mind and leadership qualities.
Later, she attended the French Razi High School, graduating with excellent results. Ambitious and intellectually curious, she set her sights on higher education abroad. Paris, with its artistic vibrancy and intellectual dynamism, attracted her deeply. She enrolled in the School of Architecture in Paris, hoping to contribute to modernization and urban development in her homeland.
