Devotion

Mehrdad Pahlbod's life was shaped by love, loyalty, royalty, public service, and ultimately revolution.

Born into an ordinary middle-income family, Mehrdad would rise to become Iran's Minister of Culture and Fine Arts under Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. His life changed forever when, at nineteen, he met Princess Shams Pahlavi, the Shah's older sister. Eight years later, they married.

Through his work, Mehrdad helped expand Iran's Department of Fine Arts into the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, bringing international attention to the country's art and culture while moving among royalty, world leaders, and prominent figures in entertainment.

But the Iranian Revolution would change everything. Forced into exile, Mehrdad was separated from the country he had served and loved.

Written through Jerry Green's personal connection with the Pahlbod family, Devotion preserves the story of a man whose life was defined by devotion to his wife, his family, his country, and the Shah he served.