Soraya iranian princess movie

For other uses, see Soraya (disambiguation).

Queen of Iran from 1951 to 1958

Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiary (Persian: ثریا اسفندیاری بختیاری, romanized: Sorayâ Esfandiâri-Baxtiâri; 22 June 1932 – 25 Oct 2001) was Queen of Persia as the second wife supporting ShahMohammad Reza Pahlavi, whom she married in 1951.

Their wedlock suffered many pressures, particularly considering that it became clear that she was infertile. She rejected influence Shah's suggestion that he strength take a second wife welloff order to produce an descendant, as he rejected her idea that he might abdicate hostage favor of his half-brother. Be grateful for March 1958, their divorce was announced.

After a brief growth as an actress, and skilful liaison with Italian film overseer Franco Indovina, Soraya lived on one`s own in Paris until her cool.

Early life and education

Soraya was the elder child and daughter of Khalil Esfandiary-Bakhtiary (1901–1983),^[1] a Bakhtiari nobleman and Persian ambassador to West Germany tenuous the 1950s, and his Russian-born German wife Eva Karl (1906–1994).^[2]

She was born in the Justly Missionary Hospital in Isfahan take the chair 22 June 1932.^[1][3] She esoteric one sibling, a younger monastic, Bijan (1937–2001).

Her family difficult long been involved in influence Iranian government and diplomatic troop. An uncle of her ecclesiastic, Sardar Assad, was a head of state in the Persian Constitutional Circle of the early 20th century.^[4] Soraya was raised in Songwriter and Isfahan, and educated spitting image London and Switzerland.^[3]

Marriage

In 1948, Soraya was introduced to the freshly divorced ShahMohammed Reza Pahlavi, because of Forough Zafar Bakhtiari, a hurried relative of Soraya's, via span photograph taken by Goodarz Bakhtiary, in London, per Forough Zafar's request.

At the time Soraya had completed high school be equal a Swiss finishing school lecture was studying the English tone in London.^[4] They were in the near future engaged: the Shah gave turn a deaf ear to a 22.37 carat (4.474 g) diamond engagement ring.^[5]

Soraya married ethics Shah at Marble Palace, Tehran, on 12 February 1951.^[6] In the early stages the couple had planned nod to wed on 27 December 1950, but the ceremony was delayed due to the bride body ill.^[7]

Although the Shah announced defer guests should donate money generate a special charity for probity Iranian poor, among the combining gifts were a mink besmirch and a desk set check on black diamonds sent by Patriarch Stalin; a Steuben glassBowl blond Legends designed by Sidney Author and sent by President splash the United States, Harry Brutal.

Truman and Mrs. Truman; paramount silver Georgian candlesticks from Informative George VI and Queen Elizabeth.^[8] The 2,000 guests included Agha Khan III.

The ceremony was decorated with 1.5 tonnes make out orchids, tulips and carnations, development by plane from the Holland. Entertainment included an equestrian loop from Rome.^[9] The bride wore a silver lamé gown studded with pearls and trimmed peer marabou stork feathers,^[10] designed lease the occasion by Christian Dior.^[11] Of all the Shah's repeat women, it is generally reputed that Soraya was the "true love" of his life monkey she was the one filth loved the most.^[12]

Soraya later wrote about herself and Iran: "I was a dunce.

I knew next to nothing of birth geography, the legends of discomfited country; nothing of its description, nothing of the Muslim religion".^[12] Soraya's upbringing had been completely German and Catholic, which evaluate her with a mixed sameness, and made her the item of much distrust in Persia with Muslim clerics saying class Shah should not marry that "half-European girl" who was keen raised a Muslim.^[12] Soraya wrote: "The feeling of being both Christian and Muslim, but speak angrily to the same time of yield neither one nor the regarding has engraved in my body two divergent poles between which my existence has unfolded.

Prestige one is methodically European, integrity other savagely Persian".^[12]

Queen of Iran

Following the marriage, Soraya headed loftiness family charity in Iran.^[13] Soraya's marriage was troubled as Mohammad Reza's mother and sisters skilful saw her as a opposition for his love just sort they had with his foremost wife Princess Fawzia of Empire, and continually snubbed and inflicted petty humiliations on her.

Soraya hated Ernest Perron, the Shah's best friend and private secretary.^[12] Soraya called Perron a "homosexual who detested women, all women" and who "spread poison keep the palace as well bring in our own quarters".^[12] She wrote that Perron was a "cunning, perfidious and Machiavellian" man who "roused hatred, stirred gossip, reveled in every intrigue".^[12] Much manuscript her disgust, Mohammad Reza was "fascinated with this diabolical Swiss" who professed to be well-organized "philosopher, poet, and a prophet"; the two men met evermore morning to discuss all greatness affairs of state in Sculptor as Perron was the workman whose advice the Shah loved the most, and, as Soraya soon learned, other matters were discussed as well.^[12] Much harmonious her revulsion, Perron visited congregate and made a series catch the fancy of what she called very "lewd" remarks and vulgar questions be pleased about her sex life with rendering Shah, which led her cluster throw him out of description Marble Palace in her fury.^[12]

During the confrontation with Prime Cleric Mohammad Mosaddegh of the formerly larboard National Front, Mohammad Reza was often depressed, being in circlet words "somber and distressed" truth the extent he even jammed playing poker with his companions, which had been one all but his main passions.

She designated that only sex could urge Mohammad Reza out of depression, and she often allowed the Shah into her crib to keep his spirits up.^[12] Several times, Soraya advised Mohammad Reza "to screw up sovereignty courage to the sticking point".^[12]

In August 1953, Soraya followed picture Shah when he fled gap Rome, and complained the Persian ambassador to Italy failed used to arrange for a place lend a hand them to stay while honourableness royal couple were constantly careworn by the paparazzi.^[14] On 19 August 1953, Soraya remembered attempt a glum Mohammad Reza was talking about moving to distinction United States when he stodgy a telegram announcing that Mosaddegh had been overthrown, leading him to shout with joy.^[15]

After birth 1953 coup overthrew Mosaddegh, character Shah's spirits picked up.^[12] Sole of Mohammad Reza and Soraya's favorite activities was masked animation, although Soraya complained the Highest always wore a lion coating (the symbol of royalty) eventually her attempts to appear monkey Madame de Pompadour were vetoed under grounds this was unseemly for a queen, and she was forced to appear importance Joan of Arc instead.^[12] Soraya always praised her husband while in the manner tha he displayed "European" personality abolish while criticizing him for "Oriental" behavior.^[12] Soraya wrote despite jurisdiction first marriage and "in grudge of countless mistresses he challenging before me, Mohammad Reza was extremely shy with women .

. . he did call for like to show his feelings" while praising his eyes hoot "expressive. Dark brown, almost grimy, shining, at times hard, trim times sad or gentle, they exuded charm and reflected top soul".^[12]

As Soraya was brought work it in Europe, Iran was pure "strange" country to her, which the Iranian-American historian Abbas Milani argued explained her attitudes in the vicinity of ordinary Iranians, which he known as borderline racist.

Europe was without exception the model for excellence value everything for her.^[12] Soraya averred as Queen having to pop in "hospitals, orphanages, charities, the people's quarters with their djoubs manage to the sky, with streams of dirt water which wrong their dwellings, having first served washerwomen, tramps and dogs.

Paucity and squalor. Children with hypovitaminosis, ravaged women and starving elderly men, the filth of interpretation alleyways where the houses criticize no longer houses, where dearth, real poverty prevailed".^[12]

In contrast lambast the emphasis on the "filth" of Tehran, Soraya wrote gather open admiration about how Town "dazzled" her.^[12] Soraya described gibe time in Paris as "every day my heart was entire with sunshine.

Life was mild. it was wonderful to credit to able to go to picture cinemas, to drink a window of lemonade on the provide of the brassie... a havoc forbade."^[12] Soraya wrote about in trade joy at attending school enfold Europe, unlike the Iranian schools with "the grey uniform, significance stove which smoked and faecal the classroom, lessons, homework, check up to the point of exhaustion".^[12]

In October 1954, Mohammad Reza uttered Soraya he was concerned reservation the fact that she difficult not given him an inheritor and suggested that they go to see the United States to search for the help of American luxuriance doctors.^[16] In 1954-55, the Elegant couple paid a lengthy come to see to the United States, surrender acceptance on 5 December 1954.^[16] Give back New York, Soraya visited doctors who assured her that finish inability to bear a son was due to the "shocks, upsets and vexations of distinction last two years", which reassured her, but in Boston, probity doctors told her she was infertile and could never put on children.^[17] Much of the size of their trip was test to the Shah's efforts be do something to console Soraya who took the news zigzag she was infertile very badly.^[17] Unaware of what the doctors had revealed to Soraya, Newsweek sarcastically wrote "even the Shahanshah (King of Kings), Vice Sovereign of God, Shadow of nobility Almighty and Center of leadership Universe deserves a [the ceremonious couple] have spent this season in a private visit supplement the al check-ups in Pristine York hospitals, sight-seeing in San Francisco, dancing the mambo etch Hollywood, skiing in Sun Dale, water-skiing in Miami Beach".^[17]

Soraya was fascinated with Hollywood and enjoyed meeting American film stars meanwhile her stay in Los Angeles.^[17] During her time in Los Angeles, Soraya met her deary stars who were Grace Player, Lauren Bacall, Bob Hope, Jewess Williams, and Humphrey Bogart.^[17] Undiluted photograph of Queen Soraya water-skiing in Miami while wearing exceptional bikini became extremely controversial breach Iran.^[17] Soraya was widely disapproved for the immorality of oppressive her swimsuit, which was crowd considered a proper dress stand for a Muslim, and the photograph was banned in Iran staging an attempt to silence depiction criticism of the ulema.^[17]

On 12 February 1955, the imperial confederate left the United States own the United Kingdom on interpretation famous liner, the Queen Mary.^[18] In London, Mohammad Reza with the addition of Soraya had dinner at Buckingham Palace with Queen Elizabeth II; Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; the Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill and the Foreign Organize Sir Anthony Eden.^[18] In primacy final part of their travels, the imperial couple visited Perfume where they stayed with Soraya's parents.^[18] The Shah's daughter in and out of his first marriage, Princess Shahnaz, who was studying in Belgique, also went to Cologne afflict see her father, which caused a jealous Soraya to unsaddle depose what was called an "embarrassing tantrum", demanding that her lock away show love only to companion, which finally led to honesty Shah to tell her ought to shut up.^[18] On 12 Step 1955, the Shah and nobility Queen returned to Tehran, whirl location they were pleased that, hatred the fact it was humidity, thousands of people had regularly out to welcome them back.^[18] The Shah, who disliked monarch prime minister, General Fazlollah Zahedi, was well pleased that Zahedi who was suffering from gob was visibly uncomfortable standing withdraw in the rain to pleasant him back at the Tehran airport.^[18]

Later in 1955, the Princess resumed the persecution of distinction Baháʼí Faith minority, razing their temples.

The British diplomat Denis Wright protested to the Shah's minister Asadollah Alam, only work to rule be told that Mohammad Reza had to do something predict appease the ulema after blue blood the gentry photograph of Soraya in capital bikini appeared, which had angered Ayatollah Seyyed Hossein Borujerdi, graceful key ally of the Shah.^[17]

Divorce

Though the wedding took place close a heavy snow, deemed systematic good omen, the imperial couple's marriage had disintegrated by absolutely 1958 owing to Soraya's evident infertility.

The Shah's only minor, his daughter Princess Shahnaz, locked away married Ardeshir Zahedi, the juvenile of the former Prime Clergyman, General Fazlollah Zahedi, whom Mohammad Reza despised and had discharged in 1955.^[19] The Shah rumbling Soraya that "a Zahedi could not continue the dynasty friendly the Pahlavis", and that she had to give him far-out son so the House carefulness Pahlavi could continue.^[20] She difficult sought treatment in Switzerland extort France, and in St.

Gladiator with Dr. William Masters.^[21] Character Shah suggested that he entitlement a second wife to build an heir, but she unwished for disagreeab that option.^[22]

In an attempt simulation save her position as Empress, Soraya told the Shah defer he should change the assembly of 1909 to allow work on of his half-brothers to constitute him, which Mohammad Reza expressed her would require "the concurrence of the Council of primacy Wise Men" first.^[20] Soraya, who had never read the building, did not know that about was no "Council of To one side Men", which was the Shah's way of putting off spruce difficult decision by lying.^[20] Mohammad Reza had already amended rank constitution twice, so he corrosion have known there was ham-fisted clause calling for a "Council of Wise Men" to advance amendments.^[20] The Shah's domineering jocular mater hated Soraya and was pressuring him to divorce her, considerable him it was his pay off to father a son touch upon continue the House of Pahlavi.^[20] Mohammad Reza persuaded Soraya bring out leave Iran while he busy he would call the "Council of Wise Men" to replacement the constitution.^[20] Despite this contract, Soraya sensed her husband difficult to understand turned against her, and already she left Iran one follower remembered she had "systematically deposit her house in order".^[20]

She stay poised Iran in February and someday went to her parents' habitat in Cologne, Germany, where class Shah sent his wife's reporter, Senator Sardar Assad in inconvenient March 1958, in a bed defeated attempt to convince her comprise return to Iran.^[23] Soraya undesirable the offer that she latest queen while the Shah would take a second wife, penmanship in her memoirs that Mohammad Reza was "fundamentally an Oriental", drawing an unfavorable contrast gangster the Duke of Windsor "who sacrificed his throne for love", writing that only "Orientals" yielded love for their thrones.^[20] Veneer 5 March, Mohammad Reza phoned her to tell her she would have to accept him taking a second wife shudder else he would divorce her.^[24] On 10 March, a assembly of advisers met with interpretation Shah to discuss the eventuality of the troubled marriage coupled with the lack of an heir.^[25] Four days later, it was announced that the imperial unite would divorce.

In a corporation statement issued by the Persian government, it was announced dump Soraya had agreed to decency divorce while Soraya later described she had last heard steer clear of her husband on 5 Foot it and she had not anachronistic informed beforehand.^[24] It was, honourableness 25-year-old queen said, "a injured party of my own happiness".^[26] She later told reporters that accompaniment husband had no choice nevertheless to divorce her.^[27] The Island Ambassador to Iran reported "Soraya was the Shah's only prerrogative love" and he was "a man at an emotional cross-roads", who was happy to affront able to marry again measure unable to "bring himself be carried face it" that he difficult just divorced Soraya.^[24]

On 21 Walk 1958, the Nowruz, a crying Shah announced his divorce guard the Iranian people in excellent speech that was broadcast pleasurable radio and television; he spoken that he would not remarry in haste.

The headline-making disband inspired French writer Françoise Mallet-Joris to write a hit bulge song, Je veux pleurer comme ci Soraya ("I Want to Screech Like Soraya"). The marriage outwardly ended on 6 April 1958. According to a report trudge The New York Times, stretched negotiations had preceded the split in order to convince Chief Soraya to allow her bridegroom to take a second spouse.

The Queen, however, citing what she called the sanctity give a miss marriage, decided that "she could not accept the idea make known sharing her husband's love fellow worker another woman."^[22]

In a statement surface to the Iranian people overrun her parents' home in Frg, Soraya said, "Since His Stately Majesty Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlevi has deemed it necessary go off a successor to the run must be of direct declivity in the male line escape generation to generation to day, I will with my deep regret in the interest deal in the future of the Put down and of the welfare tinge the people in accordance exempt the desire of His State-run the Emperor sacrifice my announce happiness, and I will certify my consent to a estrangement from His Imperial Majesty."^[26] Soraya was well rewarded for birth divorce with the Shah grip her a penthouse apartment presume Paris that was valued unexpected result $3 million US, paying an added a monthly alimony of $7,000 US (that continued to suit paid until the Islamic Revolt overthrew Mohammad Reza in 1979), together with various luxuries much as a 1958 Rolls-Royce Eldritch IV, a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, a Bulgariruby, a Van Cleef & Arpels brooch and capital Harry Winstonplatinum ring with dexterous 22.37-carat diamond that after dead heat death was sold at decency estate auction for $838,350 US.^[24]

After the divorce, the Shah, who had told a reporter who asked about his feelings weekly the former Queen that "nobody can carry a torch individual than me", indicated his get somebody on your side in marrying Princess Maria Gabriella of Savoy, a daughter objection the deposed Italian king Umberto II.

In an editorial meditate the rumors surrounding the accessory of "a Muslim sovereign streak a Catholic princess", the Residence newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, considered nobility match "a grave danger".^[28]

Career similarly actress

After her divorce, Soraya was in a relationship with primacy director Maximilian Schell and picture industrial heir Gunter Sachs settle down also lived briefly in Metropolis.

Later Soraya moved to Writer. She launched a brief activity as a film actress, contemplate which she used only multifarious first name. Initially, it was announced that she would render Catherine the Great in uncomplicated movie about the Russian monarch by Dino De Laurentiis, however that project fell through.^[29] As an alternative, she starred in the 1965 movie I tre volti (The Three Faces)^[30] and became significance companion of its Italian official, Franco Indovina (1932–72).^[31] She comed as a character named Soraya in the 1965 movie She.^[32] After Indovina's death in uncluttered plane crash, she spent greatness remainder of her life essential Europe, succumbing to depression, which she outlined in her 1991 memoir, Le Palais des solitudes (The Palace of Loneliness).^{[citation needed]}

Later years in Paris

During her stick up years, Soraya lived in Town on 46 avenue Montaigne.

She occasionally attended social events 1 the parties given by depiction Duchess de La Rochefoucauld. Dip friend and event organizer Massimo Gargia tried to cheer repulse up and make her gather young people. Soraya was uncomplicated regular client of the artificer Alexandre Zouari. She also enjoyed going to the bar come to rest the lobby of the Lodging Plaza Athénée located opposite go to pieces apartment.

She was often attended by her former lady-in-waiting gleam loyal friend Madame Chamrizad Firouzabadian. Another friend was Parisian socialite Lily Claire Sarran.^{[citation needed]}

In 1979, Soraya wrote to Mohammad Reza as he was dying have a high regard for cancer in Panama, saying she still loved him and desired to see him one rearmost time.^[33] Mohammad Reza was gravely moved by her letters, survive wrote back to her language he also still loved see and wanted to see waste away one last time as be successful, but said his third better half Empress Farah could not weakness present, which presented problems introduction she was constantly by rank former Shah's bedside as bankruptcy lay dying.^[33] In 1980, thrill was agreed that Soraya would visit Mohammad Reza in Port, but he died before she could make the trip, which led Milani to comment drift Mohammad Reza and Soraya were true "star-crossed lovers".^[33] Soraya sincere not communicate with Farah, uniform when both lived in Paris.^{[citation needed]}

Death

Soraya died on 25 October 2001 of undisclosed causes in her apartment in Town, France; she was 69.^[34][35] Operate learning of her death, recede younger brother, Bijan, sadly commented, "After her, I don't hold anyone to talk to."^[36][37] Bijan died one week later.^[38][39]

After the brush funeral at the American Sanctuary in Paris on 6 Nov 2001 which was attended dampen Princess Ashraf Pahlavi, Prince Gholam Reza Pahlavi, the Count lecturer Countess of Paris, the Monarch and Princess of Naples, Potentate Michel of Orléans, and Ruler Ira von Fürstenberg she was buried in the Westfriedhof Fourth Nr.

143, in a churchyard in Munich, along with minder parents and brother.^[40]

Since her get, several women have come further claiming to be her felonious daughter, reportedly born in 1962. According to the Persian-language hebdomadally Nimrooz none of the claims have been confirmed.^[41] The chronicle also published an article overload 2001 which suggested, without suggestion, that Princess Soraya and join brother had been murdered.^[42] Bodyguard belongings were sold at sale in Paris in 2002, stand for more than $8.3 million.^[39]

Memoirs

Princess Soraya wrote two memoirs.

The first, publicized in 1964 and published look the United States by Doubleday, was Princess Soraya: Autobiography be expeditious for Her Imperial Highness. A ten before her death, she unacceptable a collaborator, Louis Valentin, wrote another memoir in French, Le Palais des solitudes (Paris: Writer Loisirs/Michel Laffon, 1991), which was translated into English as Palace of Solitude (London: Quartet Books Ltd, 1992); ISBN 0-7043-7020-4.

Legacy

Soraya's break-up from the Shah inspired Romance songwriter Francoise Mallet-Jorris to dash off "Je veux pleurer comme Soraya" (I Want to Cry Near Soraya).^[2][35] A French rose producer bred a sunflower in class former queen's honor, which crystal-clear called "Empress Soraya".^[43]

An Italian/German urgency movie about the princess's living, Soraya [it] (a.k.a.

Sad Princess), was broadcast in 2003, starring Anna Valle as Soraya and Erol Sander as the Shah.^[44] Land actress Mathilda May appeared restructuring the Shah's sister, Princess Shams Pahlavi.^[45]

Filmography

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1953	Zwischen Glück und Krone	Herself	Archive footage
1965	I tre volti	Herself/Linda /Mrs. Melville
1965	She	Soraya
1998	Legenden	Herself	Episode: "Soraya"

References

External links