Ahmad Reza Pahlavi; A member of Iran's Pahlavi dynasty

Reza Shah Pahlavi, also spelled Riza Shah Pahlevi, original name Reza Khan, (born March 15, 1878, Alasht, Mazanderan province, Iran—died July 26, 1944, Johannesburg, South Africa), Iranian army officer who rose through army ranks to become shah of Iran (1925–41) and began the regeneration of his country.