The Diverse Pursuits of the Last Shah of Iran

Moving beyond his personal motoring hobbies, the Shah was a major patron of national sports as a deliberate component of his overarching modernization and nation-building strategy, known as the White Revolution. He viewed success in international sporting arenas as essential to demonstrating Iran's development, prowess, and competitive spirit on the world stage. By supporting modern sports, he aimed to foster a collective national identity that transcended tribal and regional loyalties.