Reza Shah’s family life began when he married Maryam Khanum, a young woman from a modest background. Their marriage, however, was short-lived as she died soon after giving birth to their only son, Mohammad Reza. This tragedy left a permanent emotional mark on Reza Shah, who carried both affection and ambition for his son. As he rose to political power and became Shah of Iran in 1925, his household became an extension of his authoritarian worldview. He viewed family order as an essential reflection of national order, expecting absolute obedience from his children just as he did from his citizens.
