Mohammed Zahir Shah

King of Afghanistan from 1933 to 1973

Mohammed Zahir Shah (16 October 1914 – 23 July 2007) was the last King (Shah) of Afghanistan. He ruled for four decades, from 1933 to 1973.

Mohammed Zahir Shah
King of Afghanistan
King Zahir in 1950s
Reign8 November 1933 - 17 July 1973
PredecessorMohammed Nadir Shah
SuccessorMonarchy abolished Mohammed Daoud Khan as President of Afghanistan
Born16 October 1915
Kabul, Afghanistan
DiedJuly 23, 2007(2007-07-23) (aged 91)
Kabul, Afghanistan
Burial
Maranjan Hill
SpouseHumaira Begum (deceased 2002)
HouseBarakzai
FatherMohammed Nadir Shah
MotherMah Parwar Begum

Mohammed Zahir Shah became king of Afghanistan at the age of nineteen after the assassination of his father in November 1933. Since he was so young, his uncle, Shah Mahmood Khan ran the government. Mohammed Zahir Shah took control and was able to keep Afghanistan’s neutral position in international politics.

In July 17, 1973, Mohammed Zahir Shah was no longer king after a bloodless coup. He died on July 23, 2007(2007-07-23) (aged 92).