Why Iran is Referred to as Persia: A Historical and Cultural Analysis
The distinction between the terms Persia and Iran can be traced to historical, cultural, and linguistic factors. Despite the historical capital of the Persian Empire being located in modern-day Iraq, the term Persia is predominantly used when referring to ancient Persian dynasties. This article delves into the reasons behind this naming convention and the cultural and historical context that differentiate modern-day Iran from ancient Mesopotamia.
Historical Context
The Persian Empire, particularly during the zenith of the Achaemenid dynasty (c. 550–330 BCE), was a vast and influential empire that spanned territories in what is now modern-day Iran, Iraq, and beyond. The capital of the empire was Persepolis, located in what is now Iran. However, the region of Mesopotamia, which includes parts of current-day Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, was also home to significant ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians.
Persian Empire and Cultural Identity
The term Persia is an exonym (a name used outside the country) given to the region and its inhabitants by the Greeks, and later by the British, to distinguish them from other cultural groups in the region. Persian culture, language, and heritage have remained distinct from the Arab cultures predominant in the Middle East, with Persian as the predominant language in Iran and Arabic in Iraq.
Modern Naming and Request for Change
In 1935, the Iranian government formally requested that the international community use the term Iran instead of Persia. This change was part of a broader effort to maintain the national identity and endonym (a name used within the country) of Iran. The use of Persia outside Iran was mostly discontinued after this request, and today, Iran is recognized internationally by its endonym.
Iraq and Mesopotamia
The term Mesopotamia is derived from the Greek words meso (middle) and potamos (river), referring to the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which includes parts of modern-day Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and other countries. The local Arabic term for Mesopotamia is also al-Muwayallidun, which literally translates to "between two rivers."
Conclusion
In summary, Iran is referred to as Persia largely due to historical, cultural, and linguistic factors that distinguish it from ancient Mesopotamia and the region known as Iraq. The official request by the Iranian government for using the endonym Iran has solidified this distinction in the modern context.