How old is the name iran

Some English periodicals and TV channels both domestically and overseas, a great number of Iranians having websites on the internet, various news agencies, computer companies specially those producing Persian software , many universities of so-called high reputation and language training centers, are responsible for development of this cultural dilemma which has a growing trend. They are actually manipulated by Iran's enemies. Nonetheless, apparently, no one else is mainly responsible for burying the cultural background of our homeland than us.

A few years ago, we started using "Farsi" instead of "Persian". The growing application of "Farsi" instead of "Persian" paved the way for its entry to the world encyclopedias.

For instance, Oxford has been adding the following explanation for "Persian" for the past few years: "Now usually called Iranian or Farsi Likewise, the indigenous names of German and Greek languages are "Deutsch" and "Ellenika" respectively, while in English they never replace German and Greek.

Unfortunately, today Iranian youth are in general unfamiliar with such words as "Persia", "Persian" and even "Persian Gulf". The word "Persia" usually reminds them of Peugeot Persia! The application of "Persia" and "Iran" in European languages has been subject to wide discussion among Iranians, specially the expatriates for quite a while. As usual, it is approved by one group and rejected by another.

The wrong impression that "Persia" is the obsolete historical name of Fars province introducing Zoroastrian culture seems to prevail some of our compatriots. Nonetheless, without being influenced by any improper prejudice and given the existing reliable historical and political documents, it is easily proved that "Persia" is simply the English equivalent of "Iran". According to the available undeniable documents, the word was officially used to refer to Iran between BC up to , while in some cases it has also been used unofficially in European languages and it is not at all exclusive to the Achamenid and Sassanid eras.

The present "Iran" is same as "Persia". The revolutions taking place in the history of most nations do not justify changing their historical names. Similarly, the contemporary Egypt is not comparable to the land existing 7, years. Likewise, the area and political stance of the present Greece is quite different as compared to 3, years ago. Apparently, since mids a few Iranian intellectuals took on to bring to light the issue by publishing some articles in the Iranian periodicals both domestically and overseas.

For most of history, the tract of land now called Iran was known as Persia. It wasn't until that it adopted its present name. Early Persia was a formidable empire, whose vast plateau rimmed by mountain ranges, was variously invaded by Arabs, Turks and Mongols. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century generated international interest in the nation, particularly Great Britain and Russia.

A Anglo-Russian agreement divvied up Iran into spheres of influence, though it was later annulled after the First World War. The United States became increasingly interested in Iran following the Second World War, particularly its oil reserves.

In , the U. In the years that followed, Iran forged closer ties with Washington, receiving large amounts of military and economic aid from America until the late s.

Iran began ramping up its defence budget, and with the help of American and British defence programs, it became one of the region's strongest military powers. The country also saw increased Westernization, much to the dismay of the clergy who denounced the pro-Western policies and secularization. During the s, Shah Reza Pahlavi faced growing opposition led by exiled spiritual leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

After years of tenuously holding onto power with the backing of the U. With that, the pro-West regime of the shah gave way to an official anti-American stance that was openly encouraged by the mullahs and Iran became an Islamic republic. Under a new constitution, a popularly elected president served as head of government but the highest state authority became the Supreme Leader, a powerful post filled by a cleric and empowered to name leaders of the armed forces, the chief judge and other high ranking officials.

But as time went on and Iran made headlines, particularly after Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mosaddeq nationalized the oil industry, it became more familiar. Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani has even referenced this in his comedy routine in a bit that is arguably one of his most beloved because it speaks to Iranians all around the world. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements.

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