Cairo 2025 Journey & The Commemoration of His Majesty Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi
Cairo Tour
A Report on the 46th Anniversary Memorial and the Opening of the Pahlavi Centennial Year
For forty-six years, the month of July in Cairo has marked the anniversary of the passing of His Imperial Majesty Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the late Shah of Iran — a moment when Egypt became the home of his final days.
But in 2025, this annual memorial carried a deeper meaning: it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Pahlavi dynasty.
The Pahlavi Centenary Foundation, after eighteen months of preparation, organized an extensive cultural tour for Iranians wishing to attend the ceremonies in Cairo. The main group departed New York on July 25 at noon and arrived in Cairo the following morning. Other participants — from California, Texas, Virginia, and various European cities — joined the group on July 26.
All guests were accommodated at the Ramses Hilton, where the collective program began.
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July 26 – Reunions, National Spirit, and the Ceremony at the Tomb of Anwar Sadat
At 3:00 PM, the hotel lobby was filled with excitement, reunions, and national sentiment. Many participants were meeting old friends after years. The concierge distributed the floral arrangements that guests had pre-ordered for the ceremonies.
Moments later, the tour buses arrived, each accompanied — by order of the Egyptian government — by two security officers. Their destination: the tomb of President Anwar Sadat, a loyal friend of Iran during the final days of the Shah.
This year, the number of Iranians present was noticeably larger than in previous years, and the arrival of the Pahlavi Centennial tour immediately drew attention from local Egyptians.
Upon the arrival of Her Majesty Empress Farah Pahlavi, the children of Anwar Sadat and several high-ranking Egyptian military officers formally welcomed her. Despite the tight security environment, the ceremony was dignified, meaningful, and filled with genuine respect.
As always, Iranians honored the memory of Sadat — the man who welcomed their King in exile.
For the comfort and safety of the participants, breakfast and lunch were arranged inside the hotel each day.
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July 27 – A Historic Gathering at Al-Rifai Mosque
On the morning of July 27, the group assembled again and departed for Al-Rifai Mosque, where the tomb of His Majesty Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi rests.
Special handheld flags bearing the Lion and Sun emblem and the inscription 100 Pahlavi had been prepared for the ceremony. However, upon arrival, Egyptian security forces instructed all participants to leave the flags inside the buses — a clear indication of how sensitive and influential the Pahlavi name remains in the region.
The mosque was filled wall-to-wall with Iranians, many of whom had traveled:
“across oceans, seas, and mountains — giving up their summer holidays, paying significant expenses — solely to be present in Cairo for the Pahlavi Centennial.”
Floral wreaths and bouquets from Iranians surrounded the tomb. Several participants delivered short remarks, and Her Majesty Empress Farah Pahlavi addressed the gathering with a brief and heartfelt message.
Despite the heavy security presence, the ceremony proceeded with grace, dignity, and complete composure.
Afterward, as in previous years, the group headed to another Hilton property where Her Majesty traditionally hosted a dinner for Iranians attending the memorial.
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A Sudden Cancellation – “A Cold Shower Over Us All”
But upon arriving at Hilton Heliopolis, security officers blocked the entrance and announced:
“Due to security concerns, your event is canceled. No one may enter.”
Moments later, the manager of the first hotel called my mobile phone and informed me that the Gala Dinner scheduled for July 28 had also been canceled.
This was a devastating blow.
The official Pahlavi Centennial Gala — including speeches, cultural program, and a formal moment of appreciation led by Her Majesty — had been planned for months.
What made the situation even more difficult was that:
the full cost of the Gala had been prepaid months earlier, yet after the forced cancellation only a small portion of that expense was refunded.
Despite this loss, out of respect for the Iranian community,
the Foundation refunded nearly all of the prepaid Gala Dinner tickets in full — an action that was acknowledged and deeply appreciated by all participants.
Even Her Majesty was unable to leave her residence due to heightened security concerns and departed Cairo for Paris the following evening.
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Emergency Dinner, Her Majesty’s Call, and the Encouragement of the Group
To prevent discouragement and confusion within the group, I invited everyone to return to our main hotel for an informal dinner.
Although gatherings of more than ten people require special permission in Egypt, there was no choice but to maintain the unity and morale of the group.
During the drive back, Her Majesty Empress Farah Pahlavi kindly called to check on the well-being of the participants. I placed the call on speakerphone, and Her Majesty addressed the group with warm, uplifting words that greatly boosted morale.
That same night, I recorded a short video of the group sending greetings to Her Majesty and forwarded it to her.
Though disappointment was heavy in the air, not a single person was demoralized — because we all understood our duty:
not to allow this historic gathering to be stopped or diminished.
Had the Gala taken place — in the very city where the Shah rests — it could have been the largest Iranian cultural gathering since the upheaval of 1979.
And that, undoubtedly, was what caused concern among opponents of the Pahlavi legacy.
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July 28 – Replacement Dinner, Distribution of Official Gifts, and a Private Audience with Her Majesty
To ensure continuity and unity, the entire group gathered again for dinner on July 28.
During this gathering, the official Gala gifts — which were meant to be presented by Her Majesty during the original ceremony — were distributed to the participants:
The One-Pahlavi Centennial Commemorative Coin
The Pahlavi Crown Lapel Pin
Later that afternoon, Her Majesty invited a small number of long-time supporters — who had been scheduled to sit at her table during the Gala — to her residence in Cairo for a private audience.
It was my responsibility to accompany these individuals, and the visit took place with Her Majesty’s characteristic grace and kindness.
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Disruptive Elements and the Successful Continuation of the Tour
As in many large gatherings, one or two disruptive individuals — posing as patriots while working to create division — attempted to cause tension and discredit the Foundation.
However, their efforts failed completely, and the unity of the group remained intact.
The rest of the tour continued successfully and exactly as planned:
– The Egyptian Museum
– The Pyramids of Giza
– The evening celebration on the Nile River
All events were carried out smoothly and with great satisfaction among the guests.
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Conclusion – The Triumph of Determination and the Enduring Legacy of the Pahlavi Name
Despite pressure, sudden cancellations, security challenges, and financial loss,
the Cairo 2025 tour and the opening of the Pahlavi Centennial year were carried out with dignity, unity, and pride.
And once again, an undeniable truth was made clear:
**The Pahlavi name continues to inspire,
and its adversaries will always fear the strength and legacy of this nation-building dynasty.**
Long live the Pahlavi legacy.
