In a remarkable cultural shift, Iran’s Generation Z, those born from the late 1990s onwards, are increasingly vocalizing their admiration for the Pahlavi dynasty. This trend, observed through social media platforms and various online forums, highlights a growing curiosity and positive sentiment among young Iranians towards the era of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
Experts suggest this phenomenon is partly driven by a desire for a deeper understanding of Iran’s history and a reaction to current socio-political conditions. Unlike their parents or grandparents, who lived through the 1979 Revolution, this younger generation views the Pahlavi era through a different lens, often associating it with notions of modernization, cultural openness, and national pride.
The surge in interest is not just confined to historical aspects but extends to the Pahlavi family members, particularly among the youth who seek a connection to their national identity and history. This shift signals a significant change in the collective memory and perception of Iran’s past among its younger population.