**The question of "what Iran was called" before its current designation is a fascinating journey through millennia of rich history, cultural evolution, and shifting geopolitical landscapes. For many, the name "Persia" instantly conjures images of ancient empires, magnificent art, and legendary figures like Cyrus the Great. Yet, the official adoption of "Iran" in 1935 marked a pivotal moment, leading to widespread curiosity about this significant change and the historical context behind it. This article delves deep into the etymology, historical usage, and cultural significance of the names associated with this ancient land, exploring how its identity has been shaped and perceived both internally and by the outside world.** Understanding the nomenclature of Iran is not merely an academic exercise; it offers profound insights into the nation's self-perception, its historical narrative, and its enduring legacy. From the earliest civilizations to the modern Islamic Republic, the land now known as Iran has been a crucible of human civilization, witnessing the rise and fall of empires, the flourishing of diverse cultures, and the continuous evolution of its identity. *** ## Table of Contents * [The Ancient Roots: A Cradle of Civilization](#the-ancient-roots-a-cradle-of-civilization) * [Elamites and Early Civilizations](#elamites-and-early-civilizations) * [The Medes and the Rise of Empires](#the-medes-and-the-rise-of-empires) * [Persia's Grandeur: The Achaemenid Legacy](#persias-grandeur-the-achaemenid-legacy) * [Cyrus the Great: Unifier of Kingdoms](#cyrus-the-great-unifier-of-kingdoms) * [The Greek Influence: How "Persis" Entered Western Consciousness](#the-greek-influence-how-persis-entered-western-consciousness) * [Post-Achaemenid Eras: From Seleucids to Sasanids](#post-achaemenid-eras-from-seleucids-to-sasanids) * [Eranshahr: The Empire of the Aryans](#eranshahr-the-empire-of-the-aryans) * [The Islamic Era: Continuity Amidst Transformation](#the-islamic-era-continuity-amidst-transformation) * [The Great Transition: Persia Becomes Iran in 1935](#the-great-transition-persia-becomes-iran-in-1935) * [Why the Change? Identity, Heritage, and Modernity](#why-the-change-identity-heritage-and-modernity) * [Iran Today: A Legacy of Names and Enduring Identity](#iran-today-a-legacy-of-names-and-enduring-identity) *** ## The Ancient Roots: A Cradle of Civilization To truly grasp what Iran was called, we must journey back thousands of years to the dawn of civilization. The territory that constitutes modern-day Iran boasts one of the richest historical lineages of any modern state, dating back several millennia. This history is broadly divisible into three major epochs: the ancient pre-Islamic period (starting around 559 BCE), the Islamic era (from 651 CE), and the modern era, defined by its encounter with Western modernity since approximately 1800. Long before the names "Persia" or "Iran" became widely recognized, this land was a crucible for some of the earliest and most sophisticated human societies. It has been the cradle of ancient peoples and empires, a testament to its enduring significance in global history. ### Elamites and Early Civilizations Before the emergence of the Medes and Persians, ancient Iranian civilization was marked by the Elamites. The Elamite civilization, conventionally divided into three epochs—Proto-Elamite, Old Elam, and Neo-Elamite—flourished in the southwestern part of what is now Iran. Susa served as the capital of this ancient Iranian civilization, a city where some of Iran's most prominent archaeological sites from that era are found. One such marvel is the Ziggurat of Choqa Zanbil, often referred to as the "skyscraper of the ancient world," showcasing the architectural prowess of these early inhabitants. This period predates the common understanding of "Persia" but lays the foundational layers of the region's rich cultural tapestry. ### The Medes and the Rise of Empires The unification of Iran as a nation and empire is often attributed to the Medes. While their empire was not as vast or long-lasting as their successors, the Medes played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for a unified Iranian state. They established a powerful kingdom in the western part of the Iranian plateau, eventually merging into the Achaemenid dynasty. This early period marks the beginning of a cohesive political entity that would evolve into the grand empires known to history. ## Persia's Grandeur: The Achaemenid Legacy When many people ask "what Iran was called," the answer that often comes to mind is "Persia." This name is deeply embedded in Western consciousness, largely due to the formidable Achaemenid Empire. The name "Persia" itself originates from the southern region of Iran, known as Fars/Pars, derived from "Parshua," the place of origin of the Persian Empire. This connection underscores the geographical and ethnic roots of the name. The Achaemenids, as they were also known, established a vast empire that stretched from Egypt to India, with its magnificent capital at Persepolis. Their reign marked a golden age of Persian power, culture, and influence, shaping much of the ancient world. ### Cyrus the Great: Unifier of Kingdoms The architect of this grand empire was Cyrus the Great. He ascended to the throne in 559 BCE and, by 550 BCE, had defeated the Medes, unifying the kingdoms of Persia and Media. This pivotal moment established the great Persian Empire, a testament to Cyrus's strategic brilliance and vision. His reign is often remembered for its progressive policies, including religious tolerance and the issuance of the Cyrus Cylinder, often cited as one of the earliest declarations of human rights. The legacy of Cyrus the Great is central to understanding the historical identity of "Persia" and its enduring impact. ## The Greek Influence: How "Persis" Entered Western Consciousness For centuries, particularly in the Western world, Iran was known as Persia. This name, derived from the Greek "Persis," was used to refer to the Iranian nation, its people, and its ancient empires. The Greeks encountered the Achaemenid Empire during their expansion, and their historical accounts and writings significantly popularized "Persia" as the primary designation for this powerful eastern land. This external naming convention persisted for a very long time, shaping how the world perceived the region. It's crucial to note the distinction: while people outside the country called it "Persia," the people living there often referred to their land by a different name. This dual naming convention highlights a fascinating aspect of national identity and external perception. The official name used in international dealings and government documents was "Persia," reflecting the Western-influenced nomenclature. ## Post-Achaemenid Eras: From Seleucids to Sasanids After the fall of the Achaemenid Empire, Iran was conquered by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE. Subsequently, it became part of the Seleucid Empire, a Hellenistic state, and then the Parthian Empire, which reasserted Iranian rule. These periods saw a blend of Greek, Parthian, and indigenous Iranian influences, but the underlying cultural identity of the land persisted. The Sasanian period (224-651 CE) marked a significant resurgence of Iranian power and culture. It was during this era that the Iranians explicitly identified their country with the name "Ērān" ("of the Iranians"). This internal designation, rooted in the Sasanian period, reflects a deep-seated sense of national and ethnic identity, long before the name gained international prominence. ### Eranshahr: The Empire of the Aryans During the Sasanian era, the powerful state was officially called "Eranshahr," which translates to "Iranian Empire" or "Kingdom of the Aryans." This name is highly significant as it directly links the land to the "Aryans," a term that means "noble" or "honorable" and refers to the Indo-Iranian peoples who settled the plateau. "Iran" itself means "Land of the Aryans," strengthening the historical and cultural connection. This internal naming convention, emphasizing ethnic and historical roots, was a powerful statement of identity, contrasting with the externally imposed "Persia." ## The Islamic Era: Continuity Amidst Transformation Following the Arab conquest and the subsequent Islamization from 651 CE onwards, Iran underwent profound societal and religious changes. However, remarkably, Iran retained its name, language (Persian), and culture. Unlike many other lands conquered by the nascent Islamic empire, which adopted Arabic as their primary language and often lost their pre-Islamic names, Iran maintained a strong sense of its distinct identity. This resilience speaks volumes about the deep roots of Iranian culture and the enduring power of its self-identification. Even during the period of the Turkic Qajar dynasty, which governed the country from 1795 to 1925, the country was still officially called "Iran" internally. This demonstrates a continuous thread of self-identification, even as external powers continued to refer to it as "Persia." ## The Great Transition: Persia Becomes Iran in 1935 The most direct answer to "what Iran was called" in the recent past, particularly in the West, is "Persia." However, a significant shift occurred in 1935. It was in this year that the official change from "Persia" to "Iran" took place. Reza Shah Pahlavi, who was the Shah of Iran at the time, made this decisive move. Until 1935, Iran was widely known in the West as Persia, a name derived from the Greek "Persis," used to refer to the Iranian nation, its people, and its ancient empires. The name "Iran" gained international prominence from 1935 onwards, becoming the universally recognized official name. This was not merely a cosmetic change but a deliberate act with deep historical and cultural implications. Before this date, the country was known as Persia, a land that has been the cradle of the most ancient peoples and empires. ## Why the Change? Identity, Heritage, and Modernity The decision to officially change the name from "Persia" to "Iran" in 1935 was rooted in a desire to reflect the country's true identity and to emphasize its ancient heritage. As noted, the Iranians themselves had identified their country with the name "Ērān" ("of the Iranians") since the Sasanian period. The change was a move to align the international designation with the internal, historical name that the people of the land had used for centuries. "Iran" means "Land of the Aryans," a name that strengthens the historical and cultural connection to the Indo-Iranian peoples who settled the plateau. This move was part of a broader nationalistic effort by Reza Shah to modernize and strengthen the country, drawing upon its ancient roots to forge a unified national identity. It was a statement of self-determination, asserting the country's indigenous name over a foreign-imposed one. However, it's important to note that the concept of "Persian" still endures. While the official name is "Iran," the term "Persian" is widely used to refer to the dominant ethnic group, the language (Farsi), and various aspects of Iranian culture, such as Persian rugs, Persian cuisine, and Persian literature. This duality reflects the rich layering of Iranian identity, where the ancient "Persian" heritage is an integral part of the broader "Iranian" national identity. ## Iran Today: A Legacy of Names and Enduring Identity Today, Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in the Middle East, constituting a theocratic Shi'ite Islamic republic. It shares borders with Iraq and Turkey to the west, Azerbaijan and Armenia to the northwest, the Caspian Sea and Turkmenistan to the north, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east, and the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to the south. This vast nation occupies a significant portion of the Middle East, comparable in size only to the territory of Saudi Arabia. The region now known as Iran was formerly called Persia, possessing a unique culture and society dating back to 550 BCE, as explained in an article by Encyclopedia Britannica. This historical depth underscores that while the country adopted the official name of Iran in 1935, the history of this territory stretches back thousands of years before our era. In antiquity, Iran was indeed known as Persia and is intrinsically linked to many iconic biblical narratives. For example, in the Book of Esther, the story unfolds in the Persian Empire. However, it's important to note that the name "Iran" as such does not appear in the Bible, as this is a modern name. Therefore, if one is searching for "Iran" in biblical texts, they would typically find references to "Persia." The journey of "what Iran was called" is a testament to a civilization's enduring spirit and its complex relationship with its past and present. From the ancient Elamites and the unifying Medes to the glorious Achaemenids, the internally recognized "Ērān" and "Eranshahr," and finally the modern "Iran," each name tells a part of a grand story. The shift in 1935 was not a rejection of "Persia" but an affirmation of a deeper, indigenous identity, solidifying the nation's connection to its ancient Aryan roots while embracing its place in the modern world. The narrative of Iran's name is a powerful reminder that national identity is a dynamic construct, shaped by internal heritage, external perceptions, and pivotal historical moments. The enduring legacy of this land, whether called Persia or Iran, continues to captivate and inspire. *** **What are your thoughts on the fascinating history of Iran's name? Did you know about the distinction between "Persia" and "Iran" before 1935? Share your insights and questions in the comments below, and don't forget to explore more of our articles on historical and cultural topics!**
