Hunting was another favorite activity, blending leisure with royal tradition. The Shah organized hunting expeditions in diverse landscapes, pursuing game such as gazelles and wild sheep. These outings often served both recreational and diplomatic purposes, as visiting dignitaries were invited to join. Outside of physical pursuits, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi enjoyed reading historical and political works. He had an interest in world affairs, literature, and the arts, often collecting books and artifacts that reflected rich cultural heritage and his global outlook.
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s favorite sports and pastimes—skiing, polo, flying, tennis, and hunting—reflected his cosmopolitan upbringing and his desire to combine Persian royal traditions with Western modernity. Through his leisure pursuits, the Shah sought to embody the image of a modern monarch leading toward progress and sophistication. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah, was not only a political leader but also a man of refined tastes and athletic pursuits. Known for his disciplined lifestyle and admiration for modernity, he viewed sports and recreation as essential elements of personal development and national identity.
