When Elizabeth Taylor Visited Iran in 1976

Elizabeth Taylor’s visit to Iran in 1976 was a unique moment in her life. She traveled there with Firooz Zahedi, a young artist who would later become a well-known photographer. At the time, Zahedi was just starting his career and learning about photography. This trip gave him a chance to work closely with one of the most famous women in the world.

Iran during the 1970s was ruled by the Shah, and it was a country going through changes. Elizabeth Taylor’s visit came at a time when the nation was trying to modernize while keeping its traditions. Her presence brought attention from both locals and international media. People were curious to see how she would interact with Iranian culture.

Firooz Zahedi played an important role during this visit. As Taylor’s companion, he captured many photographs of her during their time together. These images show different sides of Elizabeth Taylor—some formal portraits and others more casual moments. They provide a glimpse into her personality beyond the glamour of Hollywood.

#1 The actress beams upward at the sunlight in the city of Shiraz at the tomb of Hafez, the controversial 14th-century poet

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#2 Elizabeth Taylor takes a tourist’s snapshot in Persepolis

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#3 Taylor appears covered outside the Shah Chirag Shrine in Shiraz, top left, in this assemblage of four black-and-white photos

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#4 A set of four black-and-whites, this time at another mosque in Shiraz

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#5 A close-up outside the Shah Chirag Shrine

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#6 In profile in front of dazzling mosaic and tile work, Taylor stands by the tomb of the poet Sa’di

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#7 Covered by a scarf, Taylor takes tea in an old teahouse in Isfahan, a designated World Heritage Site and once the capital of Persia

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#8 At the teahouse, a close-up of Taylor with downcast eyes

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#9 A close-up of Taylor outside a Shiraz mosque, framed by architectural elements

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#10 Taylor poses with a single flower

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#11 While in Isfahan, Taylor stayed at the Shah Abbas hotel, a converted royal palace. Here, Zahedi contrasts photos of the palace’s soaring ceilings with those of Taylor applying makeup

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#12 Taylor donned an ensemble that Zahedi says is typical of those worn by tribal women, adding hot-pink lipstick

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