Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi: I Live with 'Iran'

Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi, during her visit to an exhibition supporting artists' works in Paris, told Radio Farda: 'My country is more important to me than anything else.' She emphasized that she never loses hope for the 'return of freedom to Iran,' recalling the 'sacrifices of the men and women of Iran' in their struggle, adding: 'I live with Iran, and my whole being is dependent on Iran.' Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi also stressed that the unity of Iran is very important to her, stating that whenever she is photographed, she thinks of 'Damavand' to maintain a good spirit and appearance. In another part of her conversation with Radio Farda, she once again criticized the pressures from government agents on women regarding mandatory dress codes. Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi praised the spirit of the people during the pre-revolution era and expressed surprise and dissatisfaction at the changes created by the government in the mindset of 'government agents,' which leads to violent confrontations with freedom-seeking women. The international FIAP Jean Monnet Paris hosted Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi on June 1, who visited to see the artists' works and engage in discussions. Since April 9, 2024, an exhibition to support artists has been organized by the Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi Foundation at the FIAP Jean Monnet Paris, showcasing over 100 works from 82 Iranian and foreign artists. Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi visited this collection on Tuesday, June 1. In two large halls of this collection, paintings and photographs are displayed, and visitors can also view a selection of sculptures through digital displays. In these exhibitions, alongside the works of young artists, pieces from renowned artists such as Iran Darvishi, Bahman Mohasses, Kambez Darumbakhsh, Sohrab Sepehri, and Vansha Rudbaraki, who is also responsible for organizing the exhibition, can be seen. According to Vansha Rudbaraki, some of the creators of these works live in Iran. Farah Pahlavi, the wife of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, who is an architecture graduate, previously played a role in the establishment of institutions and museums and the organization of numerous cultural, artistic, sports, and social festivals and events in Iran. Additionally, some Iranians were able to learn 'art and modern sciences' abroad through the 'Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi Scholarship.' The invitation to the Paris exhibition states, 'As long as art exists, there is hope for bringing people together.'