What was Iran called before 1979? This question often arises among those who are curious about the country’s rich history and the significant changes it underwent during the late 20th century. Prior to 1979, Iran was known as Persia, a name that has been associated with the region for thousands of years.
Iran, located in Western Asia, has a history that dates back to ancient times. The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and it was the cradle of several ancient civilizations, including the Elamites, Medes, and Persians. The Persian Empire, which emerged in the 6th century BCE, was one of the most powerful empires in the world, stretching from the Indus River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.
The name Persia is derived from the ancient Persian people, who were known for their contributions to art, culture, and governance. The Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 BCE, was the first Persian Empire and is considered one of the world’s earliest empires. It was during this period that the Persian Empire reached its peak, encompassing a vast territory and diverse population.
After the fall of the Achaemenid Empire, Persia saw several invasions and changes in power, including the Sassanid Empire, which lasted from 224 to 651 CE. The Sassanid Empire was known for its advancements in art, architecture, and science, and it played a significant role in the development of Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions.
The Islamic conquest of Persia in the 7th century CE marked the beginning of a new era for the region. The Islamic Caliphate took control of Persia, and the region became part of the Islamic world. Over the centuries, Persia continued to be a cultural and political hub, with various dynasties ruling the region, including the Abbasids, Seljuks, and Mongols.
In the 16th century, Persia was unified under the Safavid Dynasty, which established Shi’a Islam as the state religion. The Safavid Empire was a powerful Persian Empire that lasted until the 18th century. During this time, the Persian language and culture flourished, and the Safavid Empire became a major player in the region.
The Qajar Dynasty, which ruled Persia from the late 18th century to the early 20th century, was the last imperial dynasty before the modern era. The Qajar Dynasty faced numerous challenges, including internal conflicts and external pressures from European powers. In the early 20th century, Persia began to seek reforms and modernization.
The name Persia was officially changed to Iran in 1935 by Reza Shah Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran. The name Iran is derived from the ancient Persian word “Arya,” which means “the noble” or “the free.” The change was part of a broader effort to promote Persian culture and identity, as well as to distance the country from its Ottoman and Arabic neighbors.
In 1979, the Islamic Revolution led to the overthrow of the Pahlavi Dynasty and the establishment of an Islamic Republic. The name Iran remained, but the country’s political and social landscape underwent a significant transformation. The Islamic Revolution marked the end of the Pahlavi era and the beginning of a new chapter in Iran’s history, one that is still unfolding today.
