Ifra Hormizd (Modern ) or Faraya Ohrmazd (Modern ) was a Sasanian noblewoman, spouse of Hormizd II and mother of Shapur II. She held the position of Regent of the Sasanian Empire during between 309 and 325.
Following Hormizd's death, and the crisis of succession that followed, the noblemen of the country decided to hand over power to the last child of Hormizd, who had not yet been born of Ifra. Thus, the crown was placed on Ifra's belly, and she ruled over the country with nobles from 309 until the adulthood of her son, Shapur, who was declared mature to rule himself at age 16 in 325.
Etymology There isn't much information about Ifra Hormizd's name, and only Jewish sources mentioned her name. She is mentioned in five stories in the Talmud."Ifra Hormizd, a Saint of the Church Who Was the Wife and mother of Persian Kings", MYSTAGOGY RESOURCE CENTER, November 2, 2023. German scholar Theodor Nöldeke also found the name "Ifra" unclear. It may be related to the Persian word "Afiryon", translated as grace, and would thus be a title similar to "Her Grace".
Life The Nestorian Chronicle suggested that the father of Shapur II's mother was Jewish. According to a corresponding chronicle, Ifra Hormizd was converted to Christianity by bishop Shemon Bar Sabbae and this may have been one of the reasons for the execution of Shemon. Note that there was a period of persecution of Christians during the reign of Shapur II.
Regency
Following the death of Hormizd II (), their son Adur Narseh () succeeded him, but after a while he was deposed and killed by noblemen. Nobles then blinded Hormizd's second son and his third son who was named Hormizd, was imprisoned. He escaped the prison shortly afterwards and took refuge in the Roman Empire. Therefore, the throne of the Sasanian Empire was considered for the unborn son of Hormizd by his wife Ifra Hormizd, who later became Shapur II ().
See also
List of Iranian women royalty
References
Sources