Statement by Prince Reza Pahlavi Regarding the Mummified Body Attributed to Reza Shah; We Demand Respect for His Remains

Prince Reza Pahlavi issued a statement in his latest position on the discovery of a possible mummified body of Reza Shah Pahlavi, calling for respect for the former king of Iran as a “soldier and servant of the nation and homeland.”

Prince Reza Pahlavi stated in his statement that after “examining all evidence and aspects,” he and the royal family have concluded that the discovered body “with very strong probability” belongs to Reza Shah.

In recent days, the discovery of a mummified body attributed to Reza Shah, the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty, has become a major news story in Iran and prompted a response from Prince Reza Pahlavi.

Reza Shah Pahlavi died in 1324 in exile in Johannesburg, South Africa, but was later transferred to Tehran and buried in the city of Rey.

After the 1357 Revolution, Sadegh Khalkhali, one of the hardline officials of the regime in the early days of the revolution, attempted to destroy Reza Shah’s mausoleum, but only managed to destroy the dome of the tomb. At that time, it was rumored that the royal family had removed Reza Shah’s mummified body from Iran.

Prince Reza Pahlavi announced in his statement on Tuesday, the fourth of Ordibehesht, that Reza Shah’s body was never transferred out of Iran by Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi and denied this claim.

In his statement, he called on the government and officials of the Islamic Republic to provide access to the body to trusted doctors and scientific experts approved by the family in order to clarify public opinion and remove any ambiguity.

Regarding his expectations about the discovered body, Prince Reza Pahlavi wrote: “Reza Shah’s remains should ultimately be reburied in Iran in a manner that is worthy and fitting. Reza Shah’s tomb—if not as the father of modern Iran or a king—but only as a soldier and servant of the nation and homeland, should show respect and be recognized by all.”

At the end of his statement, he said: “This is not merely a personal or family matter but an issue with national and historical dimensions. Reza Shah belongs to all the people of Iran and his admirers. From this day on, I call upon all the people of Iran as the true guardians of his legacy to honor his memory and name through social networks and also through nationwide peaceful gatherings.”

Two days ago, while excavating near the shrine of Abdolazim in the city of Rey south of Tehran, workers discovered a mummified body after breaking through a concrete section. Very quickly, rumors circulated that this body belonged to Reza Shah Pahlavi, and several officials implicitly confirmed this. Among them, Hassan Khalilabadi, a member of Tehran City Council and head of the cultural heritage committee of the council, said there is a possibility that this body belonged to Reza Shah. He also said that regardless of who the remains belong to, they have heritage value and should be preserved.

Following these comments, some government media outlets attempted to deny the matter.

Earlier, Prince Reza Pahlavi responded to the news of the discovery of a mummified body in the city of Rey and the possibility that it belonged to Reza Shah Pahlavi in a tweet, writing: “I am closely following the news about the discovery of Reza Shah’s mummified remains at the Abdolazim shrine. We are currently examining the matter and are awaiting clarification of the facts in the coming days. At the same time, I warn the responsible authorities against any concealment and lack of transparency in this regard.”

The excavation area belongs to the Abdolazim shrine estate, which is a government and religious institution. In contrast, the cultural heritage ministry is considered a state institution.

The Islamic Republic of Iran’s government has attempted to deny the Pahlavi rule over the past four decades, but during December protests, demonstrators remembered Reza Shah Pahlavi fondly with slogans.

After eliminating the Qajar dynasty, Reza Shah Pahlavi founded the Pahlavi dynasty in 1304 Hijri solar calendar, during which he ruled until 1320 and his son Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi ruled until 1357.

Source: Voice of America