25000 wine bottles, 18 tons of food, 100 planes and…, World’s most expensive party ever was hosted by…, it ended up changing the ruler of the country, cost Rs…
The war between Iran and Israel has become one of the most talked-about issues in the world right now. Both countries are suffering heavy losses, but neither is ready to back down. With the United States also stepping into the conflict, the situation has become even more serious, and many fear the war could drag on for a long time.
This war is not just about bombs and borders, it could also hurt trade in the region. Countries in West Asia, including India, may feel the impact on their business ties and economy.
Since we’re talking about Iran, let’s look back at a shocking moment in its history i.e. a party so grand and expensive that it is still remembered even today. Many believe that this party led to the fall of Iran’s ruler at the time.
About world’s most expensive party
In 1971, Iran’s economy was weak and many people were struggling with poverty and unemployment. Some of them even did not have access to clean drinking water. But despite this, the Iranian government decided to throw a huge and expensive party to celebrate 2,500 years of the Persian Empire.
It is said that this party cost more than Rs. 843 crore (in today’s value). The part was full of luxury, it has fine food, decorations, and guests from around the world. But while the leaders enjoyed themselves, the common people were angry as they were living in hardship while their rulers spent a massive amount of money on a celebration.
The party sparked public outrage
People started protesting against the government, and the anger grew so strong that, eventually, the ruling power was overthrown. Many believe this party was the turning point that led to the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which changed the country forever.
In 1971, Iran was ruled by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah (King) of Iran. At that time, the country was heavily influenced by Western culture, people wore modern clothes, parties were common, and Iran was trying to look like a modern, global nation.
To show off Iran’s long history and glory, the Shah decided to celebrate 2,500 years of the Persian Empire in a grand way. The celebration took place in Persepolis, an ancient city in the desert where the tomb of Cyrus the Great, one of Iran’s greatest kings, is located.
What made this party so big?
- 65 countries sent their representatives to attend the event.
- 18 tons of food were brought from France, including gourmet meals and desserts.
- Around 25,000 bottles of wine were served.
- More than 100 planes were used to fly in the guests.
- Since Tehran didn’t have enough hotels, a temporary luxury city of tents like royal palaces was built in the desert.
- Roads were built, and decorations were added to make the desert look green.
- They even brought in 50,000 birds to make the place feel alive but sadly, most of them died because of the extreme heat.
Why did it lead to a revolution?
Mohammad Reza Shah became the king of Iran in 1941. Even though the country was facing economic problems, he welcomed Western culture and supported modern, liberal ideas. He also spoke out against traditional practices like wearing the hijab. This upset many religious leaders, and his government began jailing people who disagreed with him.
While the Shah was busy throwing this lavish party, ordinary Iranians were struggling. Many people didn’t have jobs, or basic needs. Seeing such waste of money made people very angry. They felt the Shah was more interested in showing off to the world than caring for his own people.
This anger slowly turned into a revolution.
In 1979, just eight years after that party, the people of Iran, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, overthrew the Shah. The monarchy ended, and Iran became an Islamic Republic.
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