SAEDNEWS: The budget for Iran’s 2,500-year monarchy celebrations, initially estimated at 250 million rials and later raised to 450 million rials, was reported by a British court-connected expert as $300 million. Held in 1980, the lavish event became one of the most expensive parties in history and entered the Guinness World Records.
On October 12, 1971, Iran marked the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire with lavish celebrations in Persepolis, near Marvdasht, surrounding the remnants of Achaemenid royal palaces. The main event on October 14 coincided with the 33rd birthday of Farah Diba, the third official wife of Mohammad Reza Shah.
Foreign journalists widely criticized the spectacle as ostentation. An Irish Evening Herald reporter wrote: “I was astonished that so much money was spent in a barren desert—was there no other way to show off?”
Despite millions spent, several world leaders, including US President Richard Nixon, French President Georges Pompidou, the Queen of England, the Queen of the Netherlands, and the East German President, declined the Shah’s invitation. Initial budgets ranged from 250 to 450 million rials.
The idea, proposed in 1958 by royal cultural advisor Shojaeddin Shafa, aimed to commemorate the Persian monarchy’s 2,500-year history. Critics argued the enormous expenditure was unjustified while much of Iran lived in poverty, and it even worsened household inflation.
The CIA noted that tens of millions of dollars went just to build a Boeing 707–ready airport in Shiraz. The state-funded celebration covered projects including the Shahyad Tower (now Azadi Tower), light and sound arrangements at Persepolis, and publishing a historical book. British commentator William Schurcrass reported lavish details: top Parisian hairdressers flew in, Elizabeth Arden produced a special Farah Diba cosmetic line, top chefs prepared exclusive meals, and soldiers were instructed not to shave for a month to mimic ancient warriors. Costs reportedly exceeded $300 million.
Political analyst Marvin Zonis later described it as “a flashy display by a newly rich ruler,” noting that the monarchy’s significance to ordinary Iranians was limited.
The 2,500-Year Celebration entered the Guinness World Records in 1980 as the most opulent party in human history.
