On the morning of 12 October 1971, the 2500th Anniversary Celebrations began at Pasargadae with the ‘Glorification of Cyrus the Great' ceremony’. (1/10)

This homage by the Shah to Cyrus the Great, which included a speech written by Shojaeddin Shafa (that became the butt of many jokes) was essentially the most important event in the programme of the Celebrations, but foreign heads of state were not invited. (2/10)

However, the Iranologists (as they were called) did attend, and were accorded an important position in the order of precedence, with only religious representatives and cabinet members enjoying a higher standing. (layout pictured) (3/10)

In the afternoon, the Iranologists were invited to join the Imperial couple for a tea and cocktail reception at Bagh-e Eram in Shiraz, where they presented salutations and gifts to their hosts. Following this, they travelled to Persepolis for a son et lumière performance. (4/10)

The event was remembered fondly by Edinburgh University scholar Laurence Elwell-Sutton, who wrote, “Further reminders here of the Iranian reputation for imaginative hospitality – not only the standard welcoming refreshment, but also blankets to ward off the chilly night air(5/10)

and miniature bottles of brandy and whisky to keep by one in case the effects of earlier potations should wear off too soon.” Very little has been written about the scholars who attended the Celebrations and it is sometimes assumed that many were reluctant to take part. (6/10)

There were, of course, several high-profile figures who rejected their invitations, such as Ann Lambton and Peter Avery, but many more were eager to attend. For example, the Dutch Islamic scholar Hanna Kohlbrugge (pictured) considered it to be a hugely significant event, (7/10)

Elwell-Sutton afterwards published a very positive account of his experiences, and the former professor of Old Persian at Shiraz University, Reverend Ralph Norman Sharp (pictured) recorded in a letter to his friend his joy at receiving an invitation. (8/10)

The congress of Iranology began the following day. The Iranian press claimed that it was the biggest congress of Iranian studies ever held and the official programme records that 275 Iranologists from 38 countries took part, including 70 from Iran, 24 from the USSR, (9/10)

22 from the United States, 18 from Germany, 17 from India, 15 from Britain and 14 from France. I will go into greater detail tomorrow, when discussing the beginning of the conference. (10/10)