Book Two

Reza Shah Pahlavi: The Rise, Rule, and Fall of Modern Iran’s Founder

In 1944, Reza Shah Pahlavi died alone. Banished from his homeland and despised by his people. But even his most…

The Lion and the Sun - Book Two - Life of Reza Shah

Book Two Recap

The rise and fall of Reza Shah, the architect of modern Iran. Season Two recap chronicles the life of Reza Khan and the creation of Pahlavi dynasty.
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  • 11 months ago

Reza Shah Exile: The Fall, Banishment, and Final Days of an Unmade King

After his abdication in 1941, Reza Shah began a turbulent journey into exile leading to his death, and the mystery surrounding his burial.

Book Two – Special Episode: Exiled King

As Iran crowns a new king, Reza Shah is forced into exile. Stripped of power and family, the fallen monarch begins his final chapter in isolation.
Reza Shah's Abdication - 1941

Reza Shah’s Abdication: The 1941 Iran Invasion That Ended His Reign

This is the transcript for Book Two, episode 10 of The Lion and the Sun podcast: Reza Shah’s Abdication. When…

The Lion and the Sun - S02E10 - Abdication

Book Two – Ep.10: Abdication

in 1941, Britain and the Soviet Union invade Iran in hopes of a regime change and Reza Shah contemplates abdication.

The Shah, the Nazis, and the Invasion: Impact of World War II on Iran

As World War II begins, Reza Shah distances Iran from Britain and the Soviet Union, aligning more closely with Nazi Germany.

Born to Rule: Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s Birth, Upbringing, and Rise to Power

The making of a monarch: How Reza Shah picked his heir and shaped his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, into Iran’s future king.
The Lion and the Sun Podcast - Season 2 - Episode 9 - World War two

Book Two – Ep.9: World War II

As the Second World War breaks out, Iran declares neutrality. But Britain and the Soviet Union fear that Reza Shah’s ties with Germany could tip the balance of power in

Reza Shah’s Radical Reforms: His Diplomatic Ties with Atatürk, Battle Against Tradition and Kashf-e Hijab

From the unveiling policy (Kashf-e Hijab) to his close ties with Atatürk, Reza Shah's vision for a secular Iran collides with the religious forces.
The Lion and the Sun Podcast - Season 2 - Episode 8 - The Heir

Book Two – Ep.8: The Heir

Groomed for power from childhood, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was more than a prince. He was Reza Shah's guarantee for a successful political project.
The Lion and the Sun Podcast - Season 2 - Episode 7 - Unveiling

Book Two – Ep.7: Unveiling

After his first foreign trip, Reza Shah declares war on Islam and orders women to remove their hijab. Follow us…

Ali Akbar Davar: Why the Father of Iran’s Modern Judiciary Ended His Life

The story of Ali Akbar Davar, the architect of Iran’s modern judiciary, and his tragic death under Reza Shah’s rule.

Book Two – Ep.6: Triumvirate (2)

Murder, Banishment and Suicide. As Reza Shah's rule becomes more authoritarian, the alliance that put him in power comes to a bitter end.

The Rise and Fall of Teymourtash and Firouz: The Architects of the Pahlavi Dynasty

The rise and fall of Teymourtash and Firouz Nosrat-ed-Dowleh. Two key allies of Reza Shah who helped shape modern Iran.

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