Farah Pahlavi, born Farah Diba on October 14, 1938, in Tehran, emerged as one of the most prominent female figures of twentieth-century West Asia. Officially addressed as Her Royal Highness Shahbanu before the upheaval of 1978–1979, she became the consort of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the last reigning monarch of her homeland. Her life reflects a remarkable journey: from a spirited child in Tehran to a student in Paris, from queen and regent to exile, widow, and cultural advocate abroad. Throughout her years in public life, she dedicated much of her energy to cultural patronage, social welfare, education, and the arts, leaving a complex and enduring legacy.
Early Childhood and Family Roots
Farah Diba was born into a family with distinguished lineage. Her father, Sohrab Diba, descended from a respected family in Tabriz, while her mother, Farideh Ghotbi, traced her ancestry to Gilan. Raised as an only child, Farah enjoyed a close and affectionate relationship with her parents. Her father, a military officer educated in Europe, encouraged discipline, curiosity, and self-confidence. Her mother cultivated sensitivity and grace.
