Following Reza Shah’s accession to the Iranian throne, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi became the Crown Prince at the age of seven. This appointment represented an important development in the establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty because it provided the new monarchy with a designated
Reza Shah reportedly insisted that Mohammad Reza should be treated like every other student. This approach reflected his belief that discipline and personal responsibility were essential qualities for a future ruler. He did not want his son to develop an exaggerated sense of privilege or become accustomed to receiving special treatment simply because of his royal status.
Before leaving the country, Mohammad Reza was accompanied by members of his family as far as the port of Anzali. His departure represented a significant moment in his childhood because he was leaving his familiar environment and beginning a new stage of life far from his parents and the Iranian royal court.
After a two-day voyage, the ship carrying the Crown Prince and his companions reached Baku. From there, the group continued its journey by train, traveling through Poland and Germany before eventually arriving in Geneva, Switzerland.
The journey was not undertaken by Mohammad Reza alone. He was accompanied by several individuals responsible for his personal welfare, education, and administrative affairs. Among his principal companions were his brother, Alireza Pahlavi; Abdolhossein Teymourtash and his son Mehrpour; Ali-Asghar Nafisi, who served as the Crown Prince’s steward; and Mostashar-ol-Molk, who was responsible for teaching him Persian language and literature.
