Among the familiar faces of gatherings of Iranians abroad, few have managed to capture hearts like "Uncle Mohsen" with this earthy face and his constant presence in cold and heat. Mohsen Baranji, a long-time supporter of the Pahlavi kingdom, appeared this time at the gathering of Iranians in Frankfurt to welcome Prince Reza Pahlavi. A 75-year-old man who came from Austria to Germany to cry for freedom again.
The story of Mohsen Baranzi is intertwined with contemporary history. He was born in Tehran and grew up in a family whose roots were deep in the court. His grandfather, Mr. Zarini, served in the office of Reza Shah and then Muhammad Reza Shah in Marmar Palace, and Mohsen himself was born in a house near the same palace.