Reza Shah Pahlavi

Rezā Shāh Pahlavi (March 16, 1878 – July 26, 1944), Shah of Iran, was the monarch of Iran from 1925 to 1941.

Quotes

• If only I had a thousand rifles of the same calibre!
  • Muhammad Reza Pahlavi (1961) Mission for my Country, London, page 41
  • Prior to his seizure of power, Persia's stocks of firearms were unstandardized and unreliable

• The inhabitants of Tehran are invited to keep quiet.
  • Gérard de Villiers (1975) The Imperial Shah, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, page 29

• I know you can be strong, but I want you always to be strong for your brother. Stay close to him and tell him to stand firm in the face of dangers of any kind.
  • Ashraf Pahlavi (1980), "Faces in a mirror: Memoirs from Exile", Prentice-Hall
  • Reza Shah to his daughter Ashraf, during his exile

Quotes about Reza Shah

• ... contrary to what many believed, my father was kind and tenderhearted, especially towards his family. His forbidding sternness seemed to melt into love, kindness, and easy familiarity when he was with us. Especially with me, his acknowledged successor to the throne, he would play lightheartedly. When we were alone together, he would sing me little songs; I don't remember his ever doing this in front of others, but when only the two of us were there, he would often sing to me.
  • Muhammad Reza Pahlavi (1961) Mission for my Country, London, page 45

• The Queen Mother told us stories of her married life with Reza Shah. On her wedding night, her husband, then a mere brigadier was forced to ply her with brandy to calm her nerves. Even as Queen, she said, she did her best to keep out of his way.
  • Assadollah Alam's diaries: Entry dated 8 October 1975

• How could I have been in love with him? Most of the time I was far too cross.
  • Assadollah Alam's diaries: Entry dated 17 April 1976
  • The Queen Mother's words regarding her love for Reza Shah

• Our younger intellectuals cannot possibly understand, and thus cannot possibly judge Reza Shah. They cannot because they were too young to remember the chaotic and desperate conditions out of which he arose.
  • Ahmad Kasravi, Parcham, 16 August 1942