Mysteries in the Archives

1971: The Shah of Iran at Persepolis (2x9)

Air date: Aug 20, 2011

On October 1971, the world witnessed a pompous staging. The lavish celebrations took place in a vast, star-shaped tent city in front of the ruins of Persepolis, the capital of ancient Persia. Against this grandiose backdrop, the Shah and Empress Farah Diba received around 60 crowned heads and heads of state or their representatives from five continents for three days. The immensely expensive festival stood in stark contrast to the poverty of the population. What was the Shah aiming at with all this pomp? What was the political impact of the celebrations? And why did so many foreign heads of state and government accept the invitation to this orgy of jubilation in the desert? What is the stake of these festivals for the Shah? And why did these prestigious guests agree to come and spend several days in the middle of the desert?