They drove far into the desert - - and suddenly you saw a forest
of skyward pillars. And beside them a city of tents,
which had been erected for the occasion. And it was already quite adventurous. It was the perfect backdrop
for a James Bond film. Immensely extravagant and exclusive. In two days they used the one that answered
to Switzerland's state budget for two years. A huge event with guards
with machine guns everywhere. It was a big responsibility
with all the heads of state. Historically and politically, it is
the only time everyone has been together. East and West - - industrialized countries and developing countries - - communist countries and monarchies. Everyone was there. The party is somewhat similar to a debutante ball.
Iran enters corporate life. The idea was probably to enroll among
the leading nations with a bang. But it was the wrong bang. When you spend hundreds of millions,
you must be able to vouch for it. One day you will be asked
to account for it. If you watch morning TV today - - you can see the heads of state arriving
to Persepolis in Iran - - on the occasion of the 2500th anniversary
for the foundation of it - - which was once called the Persian Empire. I'll turn it over to Barbara Walters. There is so much at stake
for this - - both historical
and in modern times - - that we just take a review
of the context of things. Who? Our host is
His Imperial Highness shahanshah - - which means 'king of kings'. Shahanshah of Iran Muhammad Reza
has been shah since 1941. He is among the world's richest men.
Iran is a constitutional monarchy. The Shah appoints the Prime Minister,
can dissolve parliament - - controls the army, can declare war
and conclude peace agreements. He controls the press
and does not tolerate much criticism. His word is simply law. I feel convinced that
that I have a mission to perform. I believe in god,
and that's why I say - - that I believe I am called by God
to do what I do. Furthermore, there is a close relationship
between the Persian people and the king - - that does it
to a very special relationship - - which people from the outside may not understand. It was for the coronation of the Shah
and Empress Farah. Back then I was very fond of art - - and enjoyed the embroideries
and the needlework in their suits. I went to Shah Reza Street
to see the shah's carriage. I remember,
that the empress sat in her long dress - - next to the shah and looking tired. I was not politically engaged
at the time. I was more busy
of poverty and social problems. No elections were held then. The people the Shah surrounded himself with - - was a blast
of sloppy saliva lickers. As time passed - - we felt the urge to learn more. Finding our place in the world,
but we were prevented from doing so. It was difficult just to be allowed to
to read a book. If one was caught
with a forbidden book - - you were beaten half to death. And if it was a weak person,
that person would gossip. I was his servant. His minister. His son-in-law. The shah was principled. The Shah loved his country.
The Shah was a family man. He was intelligent and kind. All those qualities he had,
and today he gets blamed for everything. The new shah arrives at the parliament
to succeed the father. The former crown prince
Shapur Muhammad Reza - - now sits on the peacock throne. The new shah has promised to be smaller
German-friendly than his deposed predecessor. The former shah exploited the people,
while his own coffers abounded. The new shah will not have it easy. Iran will probably continue to figure
in the news. It came right behind the shah - - when the father abdicated. When the father left, he wept and said: "Take me with you." He was beside himself and had no idea,
what it meant to be king. He was different from his father. The father was a military man
and took power in a military coup. Shahen went to school in Switzerland.
He was wrapped in cotton wool. He had a completely different personality
than his father - - but tried to imitate him. There are two things
that can destroy a weak man: Money and status.
There are two things that make one blind. Who is here today? 69 heads of state are participating
or have sent deputies. The list includes an emperor, eight kings,
five queens, 15 presidents - - five emirs,
four reigning princes and dukes - - a princess, two governors-general,
two heirs to the throne - - four princes, three vice-presidents,
including Agnew - - four prime ministers,
seven sheiks - - and a First Lady.
Then it won't be much bigger. Had we known what we were getting into,
we would never have agreed to it. I entered the picture in October 1970. The Shah's sister summoned me one day. She said,
that the shah had decided - - to celebrate the 2500th anniversary the following year. "You must be in charge of the party - - and join in,
until the work is done.” People thought the party was a joke. I went to the Minister of Justice Mr. Alam
and suggested - - that he used the influence of the court
to show how important it was. A few days later, the shah reduced - - a planning committee
led by Mr. Alam. And then it was taken more seriously. The Tourist Board had selected two hotels.
One in Shiraz and one in Persepolis. Sir. Alam suggested,
that we went to Shiraz. The streets were dirty,
and the houses were neglected. Then we went to Hotel Cyrus. There was no actual hotel,
but only a steel skeleton. Then we drove to Persepolis. It was a two-lane road
full of holes. Back then, Persepolis was a wilderness. There was nothing. Suddenly it dawned on us,
that we were out in really deep water. We drove back to Shiraz.
Sir. Alam said: “This is of national importance.
If it is not finished on time - - I shoot you all - - and afterwards I shoot myself.
It concerns Iran's reputation." A few days later I pointed out - - that the place was teeming
with snakes and scorpions. And that you could well forget
to invite guests to Shiraz. "The invitations have been sent out,"
Alam said. "We can't cancel." It was too late.
It had to be implemented. Then we had to start over
to make the area safe. We sprayed poison in a radius
of 30 km around Persepolis - - and filled a whole truck with creeps. Green snake: dangerous. Intellectuals had the side last
in the 19th century claimed - - that the background of the colonization and
Iran's weakness was to be found in Islam. Then the Shah's father and his ministers
took power - - most of them were educated
in the West. They were adamant about introducing
modernity and Western values - - as well as
to search back to the country's roots. So cultural resurgence was
part of a larger plan of - - to secularize Iran. Once upon a time there was a shah tall and handsome was Shah Reza.
Don't mention his name. He had a quick temper,
people were terrified of him. A man of few words. He said 'J',
then he got railroad tracks. A man of few words. He said 'S',
and then the blur was gone. A quick temper
brought progress a quick temper
brought progress... Throughout his reign was
the shah aware of the legacy of his father. But he probably wanted too
excel in relation to the father - - and just like saying:
"I can do better." I did not see him while he was in exile.
We wrote together. He never tried
to give me good advice. He only gave me one good piece of advice: “You should never be afraid
for something." It is not possible. Purely physical
I am never afraid of anything. Death does not frighten me. I have seen it in the eyes
so many times. That day will come,
and then nothing can prevent it. But mentally I am
constantly afraid of something or the other. If you look at Iran in the 1950s - - can the clash between Mossadeq
and the shah is summed up in one sentence: The shah was to rule, not rule. Mossadeq was not
like other prime ministers. He wished
to enforce the constitution - - so that the shah
was reduced to a figurehead. The Shah felt that he was losing power. PERSIAN Uprising In the Middle East have incidents in Iran
taken a dramatic new turn. The shah and his empress have
had to flee from Tehran to Rome - - after the Imperial Guard had to
have tried to arrest Mossadeq - - when the shah had refused to disband
parliament at the request of Mossadeq. I hadn't lost hope.
I was lighthearted. After all, only two days passed,
before the people called me back. Mossadeq was overthrown in a coup
supported by Great Britain and the United States. Until 1953 - - I only experienced pain - - suffering and humiliation. He returns in 1953 - - knowing that it was
a foreign staged coup d'état - - for his benefit. And knowing that he will come to one
country where he is basically unwanted. He had two options
as a politician. He could try
to become the people's monarch again - - even if you were him
hostile voice. There is a lot of radicalism
and dissatisfaction. Or rule with a heavy hand. With rising oil revenues - - and increasing trust
to the alliance with the United States - - he established
a militarized security state - - and tried to find a way
to remain seated as monarch on. It was Iranian New Year,
and Mr. Alam went to Europe. When Mr. Alam came back,
he assembled the committee. "Why don't we set up tents?"
he said. "Just like the old days. The French company Jansen
have suggested - - that we set up prefabricated houses. And then we cover them with plastic,
so they look like tents." Sir. Alam was very efficient.
He was the type to get things done. He found the simplest solution. He brought in professional people
to deliver the tents - - and to cook the food
and procure servants. Back then, Maxim's was considered
as one of the best restaurants. The Vaudable family
had made it world famous. We were in Boston because Maxim's was standing
for a gala dinner at the Boston Opera House. Here Mr. Vaudable confided to us: “I can't say much, but
You are going to experience something great.” I was both worried
and excited at the thought of - - to have to play a small role
in this world event. The idea was that it should be
a national event. There was no talking
about royalty and the like. When Mr. Alam had signed
the agreements with Jansen and Maxim's - - got the party a lot of attention
and was suddenly on everyone's lips. At an airfield outside Paris
two giant tents have been erected. They must stand in that camp,
being built in Persepolis - - for the celebration of Cyrus the Great
founding of the Persian Empire - - 2500 years ago. Cyrus the Great has
a religious and political symbolic value. Is allegedly mentioned in the Koran, mentioned
in the Bible, and the Greeks love him. The Persians also valued him. As one of the few, he has a tombstone,
which has not been destroyed. A figure that all political wings
as well as can vouch for. He is a humanist
and is in favor of information. He set the Jews free, he thought
minorities, treated people with dignity. Cyrus becomes the blank canvas, the shah
projects its own image onto - - so he can share in the glory. He introduced as the first
justice and human rights. We have the roll. Or it is in your museum,
since you have taken it away from us. Had these values
just been prevalent. The longer the shah was in power,
the worse the oppression became. It was the opposite of
what Cyrus stood for. The secret police raided.
Mom woke me up. They looked everywhere,
but didn't find anything. I couldn't understand that with everyone
the forbidden books I had in the house. Then I started getting into politics.
"What kind of system is this?" The problem was that the White Revolution
in many respects the top management was - - and primarily aimed at
to position the shah - - as the philanthropic monarch,
who distributes alms to the Iranians. So it was more propaganda
than anything else. If you are unhappy with that country
say goodbye to a feudal system - - and with half the population,
the women, get their freedom - - then I can't do anything about it. Khomeini was a cleric. The grandfather and the father
was rooted in Islamic theology. The idea that Iran not first
and above all was an Islamic country - - was completely unacceptable to him. Khomeini's first reaction was
to write to the shah. "Stop it.
It is against Islam.” The Shah does not answer, but lets
the religious school in Qom storms. They slam the doors,
and there are people being killed. It is a declaration of war
against the priests. Older politicians,
who had collaborated with the father - - said to the shah,
that it was dangerous. He dismissed them
and never cooperated with them again. None from the new generation
dared to say to him: "It is wrong.
You're leading us straight to hell." I have found myself forced to... ... to send one of the stubborn,
clerical dark men abroad. He had to leave. "The disgraceful White Revolution,
who in just one day was guilty of - - that 15,000 Muslims were killed
of tanks and machine guns - - has made the destiny of our people
even more unhappy. In many of our cities
and most of our villages - - there are neither doctors
or medication. There are neither schools,
bathing or drinking water. In certain villages
are the children so hungry - - that they eat grass in the fields. But the tyrannical rule
spend millions of dollars - - at various disgraceful parties. The worst is the celebration of the 2500th anniversary
for the foundation of the monarchy. Let the world know that noble, Muslim
Iranians have nothing to do with it. Everyone who participates in it - - are traitors to Islam
and the Iranian people." I'm probably more religious myself
than those people. I have been all my life
mystic and religious - - but I believe in the true religion - - The religion of God and the Prophet. Not that,
it has been supplied by them - - that will make their religion into
a profitable business for themselves. On the country's southern plains
The biggest problem is water. You wait impatiently for the train. What is your biggest wish? A better life, lots of money
and to be able to amuse me. Isn't there a certain thing? Anything would please me.
I do not know. - Isn't there anything you want?
- A sewing machine. - Have you seen the shah?
- No, I've never seen him. But that is my greatest wish
to make him see. Who is the shah? The shah is the god of the people. We pray for him
and love him very much. In Iran, the word shah was associated
with the perfect. The Iranians could
really like the shah. At least when I was young,
did you feel connected to the shah - - and with a country,
who had a shah. The Shah was part of our everyday life. The world's greatest show
will be for a selected company. The Shah has invited
60 heads of state - - from places like Norway,
Nepal, Lesotho and Liechtenstein - - on a three-day stay
in the purpose-built royal village. Also a British delegation. When Princess Anne and the Duke
arrive at Persepolis - - they must like the others
60 heads of state live in tents. In this tent, actually,
unless you switch things around. Each tent is equipped - - with six crystal glasses on a tray
of tortoise shell - - a scented candle in a glass cylinder
with a decorative hose in - - and an ornamented one
Iranian ashtray. When Princess Anne wants morning tea,
she rings the bell by the bed - - sleeping too close to the tent
her private maid in the kitchen. It is, like the rest, fully equipped. The tents are tastefully placed
in a forest of young trees. 15,000 pieces
flown here from Versailles - - and 15,000 flowering shrubs. In the top secret party tent is kept
four tons of food, also from Paris. There is also
a French royal nightclub. Are you satisfied with everything?
here before the party? It was a bit like the coronation. There was so much to see,
and it was such a big responsibility for us. We must celebrate
the country's 2500 years of culture and history. Make sure it goes well,
and have control over all details. You are so busy that you don't have time
to think about it. It is only afterwards,
you think about how it went. Right now we're just scraping by. I had worked eight seasons
at the Palace Hotel in St. Moritz. I was called that the shah
of Iran was going to throw a big party - - and that we should therefore
to Persepolis. We were 40-50 employees from Hotel Palace. I took the train home from my valley and
brought a swiss sausage and bread. My friends stayed at the Hotel Hilton
in Tehran and had caviar and champagne. When we boarded it was quiet - - too many were afraid to fly. Most had never been
on board a plane. I remember,
that there was one of my friends with - - and he said: "Down there underground
is full of oil." The royals from the three Scandinavians
countries had chartered a plane together - - and I brought that with me
my Greek cousin King Constantine. I remember the queens talking about,
what jewels they brought. Queen Anne-Marie had them
with huge Romanov emeralds. Everyone brought something, and I said: “Compared to Empress Farah’s
is it for nothing to count - - because she has the world
finest jewels." At first I just thought,
that it was blingbling - - and as they say
in Germany schicky micky. Smart and snobbish,
but not very interesting. However, I had other thoughts. The trees were planted out in the desert - - and I thought it was a story,
but it turned out to be true - - that you had imported
over 50,000 birds - - who after the three days would die,
because they could not stand the climate. They ordered a lot of sparrows
from Spain. There was not enough water in the area
to so many birds - - then suddenly one of them was dragged down,
and it wasn't very nice. But he wanted it
to look like a forest. I do not know what all those trees
had to go out into the desert. They built a golf course
with bunkers, greens and fairways. It was unusual
out in the middle of a dry desert. I didn't think you could
set up such a kitchen - - with bakery and cold room. It surprised me a lot. Day after day a plane delivered
a large block of ice out in the desert. A large block of ice came
the size of a carport every day - - and we went out into the desert to it
to be cooled. Only the last day
it occurred to me - - that the ice was chopped into pieces
for the ice buckets with white wine. I guess I had read about it - - and when I was employed for
to write about social life - - and that was the end of the party
all parties, I should be there. I stayed in Tehran for several days. An interesting thing,
which I have since written about was - - how dissatisfied many were
with the party. There was criticism of
that so much money was spent - - when there was no money
to send children to school and feed them. I met some of the critics,
who said: "You're going to an underground meeting,
but we blindfold you.” I sat in a room,
where there were only men - - and they were very angry with the shah. "This is a false empire,"
they said. “His father was a farmer.
He is no emperor. They spend hundreds
of million dollars at a party - - which we cannot afford
in this country." We were suggested
three different commentators. James Mason - - another guy,
which was very well known from TV - - and Orson Welles. Cyrus, King of Kings - - who fought for human rights
and liberty long before the Magna Charta. Cyrus, the founder
of Persian culture and the father of Iran - - a country five times its size
like the UK - - where this shah today reigns. It has fallen to him after one
period of decline in the country's long history - - to remind the world and his own people
about the Persian pride. It was incomparable. I got chills. It was unusual - - when the shah spoke to Cyrus and said: "Just sleep. We're awake." "Just sleep, Kyros. We are awake." They weren't awake. The unusual thing was,
that when the shah spoke - - was suddenly there
on both sides of the grave... ... a dust devil,
a swirl of sand. As he repeats his words,
starts it again. It was quite unusual. "How did they do it?" I asked. I thought it was arranged. It was like a play,
a variety show. It was like an opera, the scene... And I was moved. "O Cyrus, great king— - king of kings, Achaemenid king,
king of iran - - I, the Shah of Iran,
greet you - - on behalf of myself and my nation. In this glorious period
in Iranian history - - I bow and all other Iranians,
children of that empire - - you founded 2500 years ago,
head in reverence at your grave." Those were very bad times in Iran - - with terror and repression. So it felt very artificial. When he said:
"Just sleep, Kyros. We are awake." - - was it a joke. From that moment the shah became - - a symbol of absurdity and hatred. Even after all these years - - is it conspicuous,
what a beautiful speech it was. The opposition focused
only on one thing: "Just sleep, Kyros. We are awake." People joked about it: “Just sleep while we ruin the country
and uses the oil money. Just sleep while we waste
all wealth gone.” They were merciless. The day before it all started - - Mr. Alam gathered us
in the great vestibule and said: "From tomorrow you are on your own. If something goes wrong,
you have to improvise - - and solve your problems yourself.
Imagine you are at war." I still get goosebumps
when I think of his words. Mid October 1971 - - 62 heads of state gathered
at the airport in the fairytale city of Shiraz - - in a patchwork of colours, where
was saluted and bowed and refused. Familiar faces from the world stage
stepped out on red carpets - - surrounded by honor guards
in the pleasant Persian sunlight. That's how it was. Too much happened,
that you got all the details. Ceremonial and etiquette should
be observed for all arrivals. None of those present saw everything. This is how one of the most started
historical cultural meeting ever. I was the only one sitting back
in the headquarters of Persepolis. I could not sleep.
I was scared out of my wits. This was so extensive - - that even the smallest thing
could trigger a scandal. One of the African countries
requested our embassy - - for permission to
to bring ten people. Five was the maximum number. He said it was his bodyguards - - and that two of them should sleep
under his bed. And His Majesty said, "Good,
then let him have his ten companions." And he had ten with him. Haile Selassie arrived by plane
together with 75 people. I was completely on the floor - - for who should take care
of 85 people? It was nothing
completely ordinary camping tent. They were small, beautiful homes, where everything
looked like something from a housing magazine. Some of the kings and queens
sat outside their tent - - or left their tent open. Imagine Prince Philip waving
to the king of Denmark - - and Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier. Everyone greeted each other
and stopped and chatted. I haven't seen anything like it
neither before nor since. Everything was done extremely tastefully. It was by no means nouveau riche
with gold and marble everywhere. It was good taste. They were very beautiful tents,
albeit simple - - and in the drawer there was,
if I may be so free - - an effervescent tablet and a Tampax. After all, so were the distinguished guests
just people like the rest of us. You couldn't walk three steps
without tripping over a security guard. The King of Denmark tried to come
passed a place and was thrown out. They later found out,
that he was the king of Denmark. They were very strict. We heard that up in the mountains - - were guerrilla forces,
who was out to sabotage the party. In 1971, the guerrilla wars were increasing
also in places other than Iran. There were the Vietnam opponents,
revolution in Cuba, Che Guevara. It wasn't the middle class there
were worried about their deadlines. They wanted to bring about changes in their
country and leave their mark on history. The Shah's rule did not distinguish - - between political opposition
and armed struggle. So let's fight. All universities were closed - - for safety reasons
during the party. All student representatives
got arrested. Each and every one. Is it true that it is forbidden
to demonstrate at the university? What were they demonstrating against?
Our policy? National independence? I don't think that's the case at all. Critics in the West considered the shah
as dictator rather than liberal. Five Monarchs
and five presidents did not attend. Their excuses
were not trustworthy. They were under a lot of pressure
in their home countries - - for not participating. Some were bad at fashion
over the Shah's pretentiousness. The British were not much in favor
to send the queen away - - when he carried himself like that
as the world's leading monarch. "We don't want a situation - - where it is perceived that our
monarchs pay homage to the 'king of kings'." When you gather all the countries of the world - - is it in an attempt to
to legitimize themselves through them. The festivities are not for the people,
but for them. They are the ones who are important
not the people. They arrested me a month before the party. I remember they were on
to put up lights in Shah Reza Street. The prison was so overcrowded that man
could hardly lie down and sleep. No one else could lie there,
where I lay. Even though I'm small, my legs stuck out. Your Majesty, some believe - - that Iran should not spend millions
of dollars at such a party - - when there are still people in need. What do you answer them?
and why was the party so important? Firstly:
What do they know about what it costs? The only costs
in connection with the party - - are the two official dinners,
we invite our guests. It is the least we can do
on such an occasion. Everyone arrived at the entrance
of the big tent at 20. It was absolutely fantastic. It was the greatest experience of my life
to see all those people. There was so little space.
Not all ministers were invited. The Council of Ministers was not involved.
Many Iranians were not invited. There was simply no room.
Simply. You hadn't thought about what you
had to stand up with all the monarchs. They were installed in the tent city,
but then what? No one had considered what was needed
happened when everyone was in the big tent - - where the shah and the shahbanu
received the guests. They began to be pressed together,
because it was too slow. The problem was,
that everyone didn't come on time - - and that everyone didn't get in
within two to three minutes. So after a while there was a queue.
The label prescribes - - that kings have priority
before others and must enter first. There were too many of them,
and more came to - - so there were two queues. One with kings and queens
and one with ordinary mortals - - as presidents
and prime ministers. It was absolutely incredible. And there was a sandstorm,
so the hairstyles got messy - - and the crowns were kept,
so that they wouldn't blow off. There was a rustle in the skirts,
people got sand in their eyes - - and they tried to squeeze in
sheltered from the sandstorm. The sandstorm came
at an inauspicious time. I feared that someone would get
the large chandeliers in the head. It was horrible. Not exactly like that,
he had intended to open the party. People didn't know
where they had to do by themselves. Several of the Europeans were related - - but many did not know each other,
and there was no one who said: "It is the Emperor of Japan,
and that is Heile Selassie." So people just stood in the corners
and looked at each other. How did the royals come
and the communists ...? Brilliant. The communists and the royals
got out of it so well - - as is often the case. The Russians had killed,
I don't know how many, royal - - but it was forgotten. The butler passed out at the party
and had to have sedatives. Five people had to hold him
on the way to the medical tent - - where he was given a sedative. He couldn't handle the pressure.
He didn't know what he was doing. He stood with all the heads of state,
and the food was not ready. It's not so nice
when you are an overserved employee. I don't think the guests noticed,
for they had so much to talk about. Half an hour from or to.
Then they had time to talk. I don't think they realized
that there was panic. It was very hot in the kitchen area,
so the employees were almost naked. They had taken off most of their clothes - - and many of the men
stood in thong underpants. The menu was in the big book here. With a nice little mirror,
so you can see how you look. First course was quail eggs
with caviar from Bandar Pahlavi. The best of the best.
One thousand kilos of caviar. And it was caviar. Not bread. There was caviar for the big dinner,
but not around the clock. The etiquette around this
was a real nightmare. Everyone saw where everyone else was supposed to sit,
and whether they sat in a nicer place. So it was on at the same time. It was very interesting
to observe all the intrigues. There were three waiters at each table,
and they watched each other. The army came and checked,
if we smuggled poison in the food. It was France's greatest wines.
The best vintages of the best wines. Champagne: 2500 bottles. Château Haut-Brion,
Château Latour, Château Lafite. Bordeaux: 1000 bottles. Burgundy: 1000 bottles. The next dish was crayfish mousse
with Nantua sauce. Loin of lamb from highland lamb - - stuffed and fried in its own juice. French lamb. Boneless and stuffed with minced meat
of mushrooms, truffles and foie gras. And the dish was decorated
with a ram's head. I actually almost got it
nothing to eat. I just sat and looked around at people. The tablecloth was one piece of cloth,
which was over a hundred meters long. "Imperial peacock surrounded by his court." Peacock. Who eats peacock? The peacock was only for decoration. We deboned and stuffed small quails
with foie gras and truffles. And the quails were then served
with a peacock in the middle of the dish - - so that the court should
look beautiful. The sound and light show ... I remember,
that it was very cold and windy - - and everyone was tired and wanted better
have gone back to their tents - - instead of being crammed together
on a hill to watch sound and light show. Open the gates guarded by winged bulls
with human heads! When the show was over,
the light did not turn on. It was pitch black. Three minutes is a long time. I ran up to the control room
to investigate what had happened. As I ran away - - the fireworks started
and scared everyone out of their wits. They thought,
that it was a terrorist attack. In San Francisco set an explosion
in the Iranian consulate last night - - the three-storey high
brick building on fire. No one was hurt. Numerous Iranians had demonstrated
towards the Shah's lavish celebration - - of the 2500th anniversary of his dynasty. We cover that event live
via satellite later in the broadcast. It was shown on television all over the world. What you don't pay
for that kind of publicity? So it was an excellent thing. It was only at such an event - - that you could collect
70 heads of state in Persepolis - - and induct them into Iran's history. In what the country had been and was now,
and what it had gone through. They came in - - and began to beat their drums
and blow the trumpets. It was so beautiful - - that everyone sat and gaped. We stand firmly on our feet - - and God willing, we must develop. With or without other countries
and people's approval - - we enter the magnificent
age of civilization. Regaining the respect of former times. And I hope you know
that I don't speak - - from vain motives. I am full of humility - - but I feel very safe
on my people and on our destiny. 'The Magnificent Civilization'
was a concept that was repeated - - in all speeches
and in the newspaper headlines. The intention was
to give us a sense of pride - - and help us get started
with the modernization of Iran. To make us confident as Iranians. As an Iranian, it touched me deeply. It still does today. Iranians who were not accepted - - and which was considered
as backward. When I saw that… It affected me greatly. The first thing they did was
to lead one into the torture chamber. If they found something on one,
for example a forbidden book - - they beat one until they got it out
of someone they were after. I can only say that we are now
sufficiently advanced to - - to use the same methods,
which you use - - to question the persons,
to be interrogated. - Who exactly are you alluding to?
- Any advanced society. They have effective interrogation methods - - which are more psychological
than physical. We just do as you do. - Is it justified?
- It depends on the cases. If one has betrayed one's country,
everything is allowed. They tied one's hands and feet. They had different whips
for different purposes. They started with the thickest. When one's feet swelled,
they used one that was thinner. If they used one that was too thick,
they broke one's toes. You watch movies
and hear stories about - - that even at police stations - - are officers and investigators - - it gets so furious
about the detainee's behavior - - that they lose their temper
and beats the guy - - or smashes a chair
in his head. These are human reactions,
you are almost not in control. I told the presidents - - that they should not teach me
on human rights. We were the ones who taught them
on human rights - - and can you spot anyone today?
Screw you. Why spend all those millions? The history of Iran is the history of Iran. You're not fooling us. Your rule is a police state,
and the system is corrupt. You want to be considered
as Cyrus's successor, but no. You have not made Iran more magnificent. What makes one Iranian? What quality binds tribes
thousands of kilometers away - - together with one,
Who's partying in Tehran? What is it,
what binds Iranians together? It's not for propaganda,
but I think it is their king. Is it them? Yes, right now it is. The highlight of the party. The first glimpse
of the illuminated monument - - outside Tehran airport
in honor of the current shah. You can say that the monument is
a moment in the iconic use of images - - who acts for them
about the good life. And the sad thing about it is - - that the good life always
belongs to the past. When the planes took off - - Alam summoned me
and asked me to take care of the tents. I went into each one of them - - and made a list of the inventory. Many of the things were gone.
They had taken them. - Who had it? The heads of state?
- I have no idea. I hate to accuse anything
head of state to take a radio. We ordered 50 pieces.
One for each tent. And there was only one left. Maybe it was them
who worked there who took them. I don't have the exact numbers - - but it must have been
about 650 million ... dollars. If you believe that the entire country's wealth
was spent on some tents - - then it's a lie outright,
that springs from a lively imagination. You pitch some tents, invite
a few guests and they leave again. It doesn't swallow
the wealth of the entire country. I went to London to cut
and create split-screen effects. And then I sent the film to Tehran - - so that the Minister of Culture could see it. Instead it was displayed
for His Majesty. When the shah saw the film - - he said:
"Where are all the Iranians?" You have built an island in the middle of Iran - - and offer your people nothing else
than prison and poverty. He turned everyone against him. The opposition gathered
in opposition to the party. All right from the left - - to Khomeini, who was in exile. "God Almighty sent Moses - - to kill the blasphemous king - - who sought away from the right path. And showed us that we have to
to enter the country's governance and politics - - and overthrow all the kings of our time. If we decide to,
will we succeed. God holds his hand over Muslims,
which are united and agree. Foreign leaders and kings
eats like vultures and wild animals. They all come to
to burn in hell." I'm ready. There is format above a person,
who comes and says: "I apologize
and ask you to forgive me." Those are beautiful words. As your king, I would like to repeat
my oath to the Iranian people. I swear that the mistakes of the past - - evil and corruption
will not repeat itself. We should have apologized. Everyone from the Prime Ministers to me,
who was his personal minister. It wasn't him. We neglected our duties,
and he paid the price. It must feel lonely
to be shahanshah. It is a very special ... situation,
if you can say it that way. How special? To be the king of kings,
as you say. Does that mean you are lonely?
because... ... You have no one over you,
with whom you can consult. There is always God. It was not exclusive
his fault. I blame myself and know
that my husband also does it. We started
to forget our own traditions - - and imitate the modern countries. I remember - - that I asked
until I was 15-16 years old. When I got to high school,
I stopped it - - and somehow forgot about religion. I blame myself - - that I didn't think of,
that my cook was Muslim - - and prayed three times a day. I went out into the kitchen
to tell him - - what kind of food should he cook,
in a bikini. He turned his back on me and let
like he was up to something. I was not aware,
that it was to avoid looking at me. We didn't think about
that the country was Muslim. This was once a great land,
and despite ups and downs - - is it one of those countries
talked about all over the world. Whether you want it or not.
And that makes me proud. I do not condemn that party.
I'm proud of it. We never had our freedom.
We never felt safe. We wanted to read and understand. We wanted peace. When I look back, I see
that they arrested all the best people. And for what? To read books. And to criticize the shah. They said we should chase girls
have fun and make money - - and they offered us money - - to keep us out of politics. It cannot be done anywhere. Neither then, in The Islamic
Republic or in France. Young people always want to
seek explanations.
