Reza Shah Pahlavi (born March 15, 1878, Alasht, Mazanderan province, Iran—died July 26, 1944, Johannesburg, South Africa) was an Iranian army officer who rose through army ranks to become shah of Iran (1925–41) and began the regeneration of his country. After the death of his father, Maj. Abbas Ali Khan, Reza’s mother took him to Tehrān, where he eventually enlisted as a private in an Iranian military unit under Russian instructors. Tall and powerfully built, the young soldier, from the beginning, showed an uncommonly strong will, remarkable intelligence, and a capacity for leadership. He was highly regarded by his seniors.
