Shah facts for kids

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Shah of Iran from 1941 to 1979, was the last ruler to hold the title of shah.

The word Shah (Persian: شاه) is a Persian word. It means "king" or "ruler" of a country. This important title was used in many countries, including Iran, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Today, the term "Shah" is often used as a family name, or surname. Many people in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have "Shah" in their names. A very famous example is Shah Jahan, who was an Emperor of India. He ordered the building of the beautiful Taj Mahal. You might also know the chess term checkmate. This term might come from the Persian words shah mat, which means "the king cannot escape."

Sometimes, when people say "the Shah," they are talking about Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. He was the Shah of Iran from 1941 to 1979. He was the last ruler to hold this title in Iran.

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  Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Shahanshah of Iran from 1941 to 1979, was the last ruler to hold the title of shah.