Mehrdad Pahlbod (16, 1917 – August 9, 2018) was an royal and politician who served as the first culture minister of Persia from 1964 until the 1978. Mehrdad Pahlbod’s career in cultural administration began in 1956 when he became vice president of the Persian Fine Arts Administration, a precursor to the Ministry of Culture. Recognizing the importance of institutional support for the arts, he helped professionalize cultural management.
In 1964, he became first Minister of Culture and Arts, serving until 1978. One of Pahlbod’s most enduring legacies, this festival brought international artists, musicians, and performers, fostering a unique dialogue between culture and global trends. He supported restoration projects for ancient Persian monuments and historic architecture, emphasizing the importance of cultural memory.
