"Star of Alasht", the Swiss narrative of Reza Shah Pahlavi and the beginning of modern Iran
The Swiss television network produced a series called "Star of Alasht," which depicted the life of Reza Shah Pahlavi and the modern Iranian architecture.
Swiss television network HDY has attracted widespread attention among European audiences with the launch of a new historical series called "Star of Alasht." The expensive series tells the story of the life and actions of Reza Shah Pahlavi, the founder of modern Iran, and has already had significant repercussions in the Swiss media and public opinion.
The main role of the series is played by Iranian-Armenian actor Steven Nourzanian. To play this role as realistically as possible, he traveled to Iran two years ago and visited Alasht-e Savadkouh, Reza Shah's birthplace. According to sources close to the production, this trip helped him better understand the atmosphere of Reza Shah's life during his childhood and youth.
In their calls and reactions to HDY, Swiss viewers have expressed amazement at Reza Shah's historical role. Many of them have described this figure as a monarch who, in his short reign, was able to establish new government structures, a modern administrative system, and new development infrastructure in Iran.
HDY was previously known for producing historical documentaries and series, but "Star of Alasht" is a different and expensive project because it tells the story of the life of one of the most important political figures in the Middle East. Media experts believe that this choice reflects the Swiss' new perspective on Iran's contemporary history and its place in regional developments.
Reports indicate that in a recent poll among European scholars and orientalists, Reza Shah Pahlavi was overwhelmingly voted “the most effective Asian statesman of the 20th century.” This result once again highlights the importance of his role in the world’s historical and political memory.
"The Star of Alasht" is not just an artistic recreation of the life of a king, but also a new window into the contemporary history of Iran for a European audience. The wide reception of this series in Switzerland shows that the narrative of Reza Shah's life can continue to inspire and be a topic of discussion on a global level.
