Who Is Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiary? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on June 22, 1932, Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiary is now 92 years old in 2025. Once the beloved Queen of Iran from 1951 to 1958, she captivated the world with her elegance and charm. The daughter of a prominent Persian family, Soraya was raised in a politically significant environment, which paved the way for her royal marriage to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran. Despite her short reign, Soraya's legacy continues to impact the cultural history of Iran and the fashion industry.
| Occupation | Memoirist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1932 |
| Age | 69 Years |
| Birth Place | Isfahan, Imperial State of Iran |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | France |
| Date of death | 25 October, 2001 |
| Died Place | Paris, France |
Popularity
Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiary's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Soraya was renowned for her stunning beauty, standing at an impressive height of 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm). While her weight is said to have fluctuated throughout her life, she was often seen maintaining a graceful figure. Although specific measurements may not be disclosed, Soraya's captivating presence and fashion sense made her a celebrated icon of her time.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Following her marriage to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Soraya became the queen consort of Iran. The couple's relationship was filled with both glamour and challenges, ultimately leading to their divorce in 1958. As of 2025, Soraya has maintained her privacy regarding her personal life, and there is no publicly known boyfriend or partner. Throughout her later years, she has focused primarily on her philanthropic interests and her contributions to the arts.
Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiary (22 June 1932 – 25 October 2001) was Queen of Iran as the second wife of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, whom she married in 1951. Their marriage suffered many pressures, particularly when it became clear that she was infertile.
She rejected the Shah's suggestion that he might take a second wife in order to produce an heir, as he rejected her suggestion that he might abdicate in favor of his half-brother. In March 1958, their divorce was announced.
After a brief career as an actress, and a liaison with Italian film director Franco Indovina, Soraya lived alone in Paris until her death.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiary's net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. Although exact figures on her earnings remain private, her wealth is attributed to her royal inheritance, various investments, and her continued engagement in charitable endeavors. This figure reflects her status as a once-powerful queen and an influential figure in modern Iranian history.
Career, Business and Investments
Throughout her life, Soraya has been involved in various artistic and philanthropic endeavors. After her reign, she pursued a career in acting and international diplomacy, using her platform to advocate for women's rights and education in Iran. Additionally, Soraya has made several investments in fashion, as she was a trendsetter during her time as queen, often collaborating with renowned designers and brands.
Social Network
In 2025, Soraya maintains an active presence on social media, particularly on Instagram and Twitter, where she shares her experiences and engages with her followers. Her social networks are a mix of personal reflections, advocacy for social causes, and glimpses into her artistic endeavors. While she is not as frequently in the limelight as during her royal tenure, her followers continue to express admiration for her timeless elegance and commitment to social issues.
During her last years, Soraya lived in Paris on 46 avenue Montaigne. She occasionally attended social events like the parties given by the Duchess de La Rochefoucauld. Her friend and event organizer Massimo Gargia tried to cheer her up and make her meet young people. Soraya was a regular client of the hairdresser Alexandre Zouari.
She also enjoyed going to the bar and the lobby of the Hotel Plaza Athénée located opposite her apartment. She was often accompanied by her former lady-in-waiting and loyal friend Madame Chamrizad Firouzabadian. Another friend was Parisian socialite Lily Claire Sarran.
Education
Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiary received a prestigious education befitting her royal status. She attended elite schools in Iran and furthered her studies in Europe, gaining a comprehensive understanding of art, culture, and politics. This education has greatly influenced her work in the arts and her commitment to furthering education for women in her homeland.
In 1948, Soraya was introduced to the recently divorced Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, by Forough Zafar Bakhtiari, a close relative of Soraya's, via a photograph taken by Goodarz Bakhtiary, in London, per Forough Zafar's request. At the time Soraya had completed high school at a Swiss finishing school and was studying the English language in London.
They were soon engaged: the Shah gave her a 22.37 carat (4.474 g) diamond engagement ring.
