Iran’s Shah Celebrates 25 Centuries of Persian Civilisation in Persepolis | Oct. 1971

Friday, October 15th 1971. Footage of celebrations in the ancient city of Persepolis presided over by Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran and Empress Farah. The multi-million dollar five-day event consisting of a Pageant, Grand Feast and other festivities was held to celebrate 2500 years of Persian civilisation. The Pageant in Persepolis was an hour-long parade watched by kings, presidents and heads of government including Emperor Haile Sellasie of Ethiopia who sat by the side of the Shah. Other present royals included Prince Philip and Princess Anne of Britain, Prince Ranier and Princess Grace of Monaco, exiled King Constantine of Greece, King Frederik and Queen Ingrid of Denmark, and King Baudouin of Belgium. Source: Reuters News Archives. Note: The controversial ’ultimate party’ was held against the backdrop of political repression by the Shah whose role went from a constitutional monarch to a powerful chief of state after a CIA coup in 1953 dubbed ’Operation Ajax&