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Mummified Remains Spark Speculation: Could It Be Reza Pahlavi?
The discovery of mummified remains at a Shiite shrine in Iran has ignited a flurry of speculation, with many wondering if they belong to Reza Pahlavi, the former ruler during World War II. Pahlavi’s reign preceded that of his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and his controversial legacy could pose a challenge for the current Islamic leadership should the remains be confirmed as his. The possibility of identifying the body as the former Shah has become a focus of intense scrutiny and debate.
Conflicting Reports Emerge Regarding Suspected Remains
Official Statements and Social Media Frenzy
Hassan Khalilabadi, head of Tehran City Council’s cultural heritage and tourism committee, indicated to the state news agency IRNA that the discovered remains at the Shiite shrine might potentially belong to Reza Pahlavi.
However, a representative from the Shah Abdol Azim shrine refuted these claims, stating unequivocally: “All the rumours on the social media that claim this mummified body belongs to Reza Shah are false and void of any truth.”
Discovery Details
Construction personnel unearthed the mummified corpse during work at the Shiite shrine of Abdul Azim. The body was revealed by an excavator removing soil and rubble.
- Images of the remains have rapidly spread across various social media platforms within the country.
Background on Reza Pahlavi and the Mystery of His Missing Body
Burial and Subsequent Events
Following his death in 1944, Pahlavi was interred, but Iranian revolutionaries later destroyed the tomb in an attempt to erase symbols of the previous regime. The body was never recovered from the debris, leading to a 40-year absence.
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DNA Testing Underway to Determine Identity
Authorities plan to conduct DNA tests on the remains to verify if they truly belong to the former ruler. “This will be examined by responsible bodies,” officials stated.
Pahlavi Era: Exile and Legacy
Forced Abdication and Death
Pahlavi was compelled to relinquish power in 1941 due to pressure from British and Russian forces, after which his son succeeded him. The former ruler went into exile in South Africa, where he passed away in 1944.
Nostalgia and Controversy
Despite the controversies surrounding his rule, many Iranians admire the former ruler for his modernization initiatives and efforts to expand freedoms for women.
- Mohammad Reza Shah, his son, became the last shah of Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution that established the current Shiite-dominated theocracy.
Call for Transparency
His grandson, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, currently residing in the U.S., issued a warning to Iran via Twitter, urging the government “not to hide anything” regarding the discovery.