Who Is Mohammad Zahir Shah? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on October 15, 1914, Mohammad Zahir Shah, who ruled Afghanistan from 1933 until 1973, is a pivotal figure in the country’s modern history. By 2025, he would have turned 111 years old. Despite his passing in 2007, Zahir Shah's legacy continues to inspire many in Afghanistan and beyond. His reign was marked by attempts to modernize Afghanistan while navigating complex political landscapes.
| Occupation | Political Leaders |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 15, 1914 |
| Age | 92 Years |
| Birth Place | Kabul, Emirate of Afghanistan |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Afghanistan |
| Date of death | 23 July, 2007 |
| Died Place | Kabul, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan |
Popularity
Mohammad Zahir Shah's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a historical figure, there are limited records regarding Mohammad Zahir Shah's physical stats during his reign. However, it’s reported that he had an imposing presence, contributing to his image as a ruler. His reports suggest a notable stature, although exact measurements of height and weight have varied over time and remain undocumented.
In 1991, Zahir Shah survived an attempt on his life by a knife-wielding assassin masquerading as a Portuguese journalist who later revealed that the attempted assassination was ordered by Osama bin Laden.
The assassin stated “Now I must kill you”, before stabbing Zahir Shah in his breast-pocket, the former king’s life being saved by a tin of Café Crème cigarillos. The assassin then stabbed Zahir Shah in the neck several times, before being overpowered by former General Abdul Wali.
Zahir Shah was rushed to hospital and later recovered, with the assassin being sentenced to 10 years in a high-security prison in Rebibbia. After the fall of the pro-Soviet government, Zahir Shah was favored by many to return and restore the monarchy to unify the country as he was acceptable to most factions.
However, these efforts were blocked mostly by Pakistan's ISI, who feared his stance on the Durand Line issue. In June 1995, Zahir Shah's former envoy Sardar Wali announced at talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, that Zahir Shah was willing to participate in peace talks to end the Afghan Civil War, but no consensus was ever reached.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mohammad Zahir Shah came from a prominent royal family. He was married to Queen Humaira Banu, with whom he had four children. Through his family ties, Zahir Shah played an essential role in Afghan culture. Political alliances during his reign often relied on familial connections, contributing to a complex web of relationships in Afghan society.
In 1973, while Zahir Shah was undergoing medical treatment in Italy, his regime was overthrown in a coup d'état by his cousin and former prime minister, Mohammad Daoud Khan, who established a single-party republic, ending more than 225 years of continuous monarchical government.
He remained in exile near Rome until 2002, returning to Afghanistan after the end of the Taliban government. He was given the title Father of the Nation, which he held until his death in 2007.
Net Worth and Salary
During his reign, the financial aspects of Mohammad Zahir Shah's monarchy were tied closely to Afghanistan's economy. Though it’s difficult to ascertain an exact net worth in contemporary terms, it is clear that the monarchy controlled significant resources and wealth. Following his exile, the remnants of the royal fortune have been subject to various political and economic upheavals.
Zahir Shah eventually lived in a villa in the affluent community of Olgiata on Via Cassia, north of Rome, where he spent his time playing golf and chess, as well as tending to his garden. He was financially supported by the Shah of Iran since the new Afghan government failed to provide him a monthly salary.
The Shah also supported his two sons who were studying in the United States and Canada. He was prohibited from returning to Afghanistan during the late 1970s by the Soviet-assisted Communist government. In 1983 during the Soviet–Afghan War, Zahir Shah was cautiously involved with plans to develop a government in exile.
Ultimately these plans failed because he could not reach a consensus with powerful Islamist factions. It has also been reported that Afghanistan, the Soviet Union, and India had all tried to persuade Zahir Shah to return as chief of a neutral, possibly interim, administration in Kabul.
Both the Soviet Union and the United States sent representatives to meet him, and President Mohammad Najibullah supported Zahir Shah to play a role in a possible interim government in the quest for peace.
In May 1990, Zahir Shah issued a long statement through Voice of America and the BBC calling for unity and peace among Afghans, and offering his services. This reportedly led to a spark of interest and approval among the Kabul populace.
However, the idea of a revived political role for Zahir Shah was met with hostility by some, notably radical Islamist Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.
Career, Business and Investments
Mohammad Zahir Shah's career as a monarch focused primarily on governance and modernization efforts. He introduced many reforms aimed at improving education and infrastructure in Afghanistan. Although he faced various challenges, including political opposition and international pressures, his vision for a progressive Afghanistan left an enduring impact on the nation’s development.
Zahir Shah provided aid, weapons, and Afghan fighters to the Uighur and Kirghiz Muslim rebels who had established the First East Turkestan Republic.
The aid was not capable of saving the First East Turkestan Republic, as the Afghan, Uighur, and Kirghiz forces were defeated in 1934 by the Kuomintang Chinese Muslim New 36th Division of the National Revolutionary Army, commanded by General Ma Zhancang at the Battle of Kashgar and Battle of Yarkand.
All the Afghan volunteers were killed by the Chinese Muslim troops, who then abolished the First East Turkestan Republic, and reestablished Chinese government control over the area.
Despite close relations to the Axis powers, Zahir Shah and his governments refused to take sides during World War II and Afghanistan remained one of the few countries in the world to remain neutral. From 1944 to 1947, Afghanistan experienced a series of revolts by various tribes.
After the end of World War II, Zahir Shah recognised the need for the modernisation of Afghanistan and recruited a number of foreign advisers to assist with the process. During this period Afghanistan's first modern university was founded.
During his reign a number of potential advances and reforms were derailed as a result of factionalism and political infighting. He also requested financial aid from both the United States and the Soviet Union, and Afghanistan was one of few countries in the world to receive aid from both Cold War adversaries.
In a 1969 interview, Zahir Shah said that he is "not a capitalist. But I also don't want socialism. I don't want socialism that would bring about the kind of situation [that exists] in Czechoslovakia.
I don't want us to become the servants of Russia or China or the servant of any other place." He was considered a relatively lenient leader compared to previous kings; Zahir Shah had never signed a warrant for the execution of anyone for political reasons during his reign.
He also used his power several times to commute capital punishment sentences given to some convicted criminals.
At Zahir Shah's behest the new 1964 Constitution of Afghanistan was introduced which made Afghanistan a modern democratic state by introducing free elections, a parliament, civil and political rights, women's rights, and universal suffrage.
At least five Afghani Pul coins during his reign bore the Arabic title: المتوكل على الله محمد ظاهر شاه, "AlMutawakkil 'ala Allah Muhammad Zhahir Shah" which means "The leaner on God, Muhammad Zhahir Shah". The title "AlMutawakkil 'ala Allah", "The leaner on God" is taken from Quran 8:61.
Social Network
In the current social media landscape, Mohammad Zahir Shah remains a notable figure for historical discourse. Many platforms discuss his legacy as Afghanistan seeks stability and reformation in the face of modern-day challenges. His journey is often covered in educational blogs, historical documentaries, and social media discussions that aim to engage the youth in Afghanistan with their rich heritage.
Education
Zahir Shah received his education at various institutions, including the Royal Military Academy in France. His exposure to Western ideologies and systems influenced his vision for Afghanistan's modernization. By blending traditional Afghan values with new ideas, he aimed to create a balanced approach to governance.
