History

The Order of the Pleiades (Nishan-i-Haft Paykar) was established in 1955 or 1957 by the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi as a female only dynastical order. The Order replaced the Order of Aftab as a female imperial award and is issued in 3 Classes to distinguished ladies in recognition of meritorious service. The Order also has 3 associated Medals to reward female members of the Imperial household for long and faithful service. The Order was abolished as a national award following the Islamic Revolution of 1979 but is believed to continue as a royal household order.

The Order was created in honour of Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari, the second wife of Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi and is named after the 7 Celestial Bodies, or 7 Sisters, a cluster of 7 stars in the constellation of Taurus.

The Gold Medal is issued as the I Class award.

The Gold Medal is worn from a bow on the shoulder.

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