# Soraya Esfandiari-Bakhtiari > Queen consort of Iran from 1951 to 1958 **Wikidata**: [Q225993](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q225993) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soraya_Esfandiary-Bakhtiary) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/soraya-esfandiari-bakhtiari ## Summary Soraya Esfandiari-Bakhtiari was an Iranian actress and former Queen consort of Iran from 1951 to 1958. She is most widely recognized for her role as the second wife of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran, and for her brief but significant presence in the cultural and political life of the Pahlavi dynasty. ## Biography - Born: June 22, 1932 - Nationality: Iranian - Education: Not specified - Known for: Being Queen consort of Iran and her work as a film actor - Employer(s): Not specified - Field(s): Acting, royalty ## Contributions Soraya Esfandiari-Bakhtiari was primarily known for her role as a public figure during her time as the Queen consort of Iran. She was not noted for specific publications or patents, but her legacy includes her participation in the cultural life of Iran during her marriage to the Shah. Her presence in the public eye was also marked by her appearances in films, aligning with her identity as a film actor. Her contributions were more symbolic and cultural rather than in the form of authored works or inventions. ## FAQs **Who was Soraya Esfandiari-Bakhtiari?** Soraya Esfandiari-Bakhtiari was the second wife of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran, and served as the Queen consort of Iran from 1951 to 1958. She was also known to have a background as a film actor. **What is Soraya Esfandiari-Bakhtiari known for?** She is known for her role as the former Queen consort of Iran and for her brief but notable presence in the public and cultural life of the nation during the Pahlavi era. **Was Soraya Esfandiari-Bakhtiari involved in films?** Yes, she was identified as a film actor, though specific filmography details are not provided in the source material. **When and where was Soraya Esfandiari-Bakhtiari born?** She was born on June 22, 1932. The place of birth is not specified in the source material. **What happened to Soraya Esfandiari-Bakhtiari after her time as Queen consort?** After the dissolution of her marriage to the Shah, she lived a private life and passed away in 2001. The exact date of her death varies slightly between October 25 and October 26, 2001. ## Why They Matter Soraya Esfandiari-Bakhtiari holds historical significance as a central figure in the Pahlavi dynasty, particularly as the former Queen consort of Iran. Her role was symbolic, representing a brief but impactful period in Iranian history when the monarchy was still in power. Her legacy is tied to the monarchy's final era and the cultural shifts in Iran during the mid-20th century. Her life story reflects the intersection of royalty, public life, and the eventual transformation of Iran's political landscape. ## Notable For - Queen consort of Iran from 1951 to 1958 - Film actor - Brief marriage to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi - Member of the Esfandiary family, a prominent Iranian noble family - Influence on the cultural and political scene of Pahlavi Iran during her tenure as queen ## Body ### Early Life and Background Soraya Esfandiari-Bakhtiari was born into the Esfandiary family, a noble lineage in Iran. Her early life and education are not detailed in the source material, but her background in nobility and her subsequent marriage into the Pahlavi dynasty placed her at the center of Iranian royalty. ### Role as Queen Consort Soraya Esfandiari-Bakhtiari became Queen consort of Iran in 1951 upon her marriage to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Her role was both symbolic and public, aligning with the cultural and political life of the Iranian monarchy. During her time as queen, she was involved in various public engagements, though specific details of her contributions are not provided. ### Career in Film In addition to her role as Queen consort, she was known to be a film actor. While no specific film titles or roles are mentioned in the source material, her involvement in the film industry marks her as a multifaceted public figure who bridged the worlds of royalty and entertainment. ### Personal Life and Legacy Her marriage to the Shah ended in divorce, and she lived a private life afterward. She passed away in 2001, with her death occurring either on October 25 or October 26, depending on the source. Her legacy is tied to her brief but impactful role in the monarchy and her influence on the cultural and political life of Iran during the Pahlavi era. ### Public and Cultural Influence As a public figure, Soraya was involved in the social and cultural dynamics of the time, though specific contributions outside of her role as Queen consort and film actor are not detailed. Her life story is a reflection of the intersection between royalty and the arts, marking her as a significant, albeit brief, figure in Iranian history. ### Awards and Recognition She received several honors, including the Order of Isabella the Catholic and the Order of the Pleiades, which highlight her international recognition and status. ### Identity and Recognition Soraya Esfandiari-Bakhtiari is recognized for her dual identity as both a queen and a film actor. Her life represents a unique blend of nobility and cultural influence during a transformative period in Iranian history. Her legacy is preserved through her brief but impactful tenure as Queen consort and her contributions to the arts. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. The Peerage 3. Genealogics 4. International Standard Name Identifier 5. Virtual International Authority File 6. Find a Grave 7. FemBio database 8. Babelio 9. Munzinger Personen 10. IMDb 11. Fichier des personnes décédées mirror 12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 13. Integrated Authority File 14. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb122168072)