Unraveling Iran's Name: When Did Persia Officially Become Iran?

Prof. Waino Jacobi PhD 20 Jun 2025

The question of "when did Iran become Iran" is far more nuanced than a simple date on a calendar. While many associate the name change from Persia to Iran with a specific request in the 1930s, the story of this nation's identity, and the names it has carried, spans millennia, deeply rooted in ancient history, cultural shifts, and political transformations. It's a journey from ancient empires to a modern republic, reflecting a rich tapestry of heritage and evolution. This article delves into the historical layers, exploring how the name "Iran" emerged, gained prominence, and was eventually formalized on the international stage, offering a comprehensive understanding of a country known by two powerful names.

Understanding the transition from "Persia" to "Iran" requires us to look beyond a single moment. It involves tracing the origins of both terms, recognizing internal preferences, and examining the geopolitical landscape that influenced official nomenclature. From the ancient Sassanid Empire to the Pahlavi dynasty and the Islamic Revolution, the story of Iran's name is inextricably linked to its enduring identity and its complex relationship with the world.

Ancient Roots: The Enduring Name of Iran
Echoes from Antiquity: The Sassanid Legacy
The Arab Invasion: A Historical Divide
A Gradual Shift: Internal Preference and External Perception
Reza Shah's Formalization: The 1935 Directive
A Nation Rebrands: The 1935 Directive
Post-1935 Developments: Reversals and Reinforcement
The Islamic Revolution of 1979: A New Republic
From Monarchy to Republic: A New Era
Iran's Modern Identity: Navigating the Present
Geopolitical Context: Iran on the World Stage
Conclusion: The Enduring Identity of Iran

Ancient Roots: The Enduring Name of Iran

The concept of "Iran" is not a modern invention, but rather a term with deep historical roots, far predating the 20th-century official name change. The word "Iran" itself is derived from "Aryanam," meaning "Land of the Aryans," referring to the Indo-Iranian peoples who settled in the region. This ethno-linguistic connection points to a long-standing self-identification that existed alongside, and often superseded, external appellations. For centuries, the people inhabiting the Iranian plateau referred to their land as Iran, even as Westerners primarily knew it as Persia. This internal consistency is crucial to understanding the true answer to "when did Iran become Iran." It wasn't a sudden adoption of a new name, but rather a formal recognition of a name that had been in use for a very long time internally.

Echoes from Antiquity: The Sassanid Legacy

One of the earliest and most significant periods where the term "Iran" gained official prominence was during the Sassanid Empire, which flourished from approximately 224 to 651 AD. During this powerful dynasty, the term "Iran" began to appear on official documents and coins. This indicates a conscious effort by the Sassanid rulers to define their realm not just as the domain of the Persians, but as "Iran," encompassing a broader cultural and geographical identity. This period cemented "Iran" as a foundational concept within the region's self-perception. It was certainly by the 4th century AD that the term "Iran" was being used in writing and literature, showcasing its deep historical entrenchment long before any modern official decree. This historical usage challenges the common misconception that "Iran" is a purely 20th-century construct.

The Arab Invasion: A Historical Divide

The Arab invasion of Iran, beginning around 640 CE, marked a profound break with the past, not only for Iran but for all of Western Asia. This monumental event led to the collapse of the Sassanid Empire and the assimilation of peoples who profoundly shaped and vitalized Muslim culture. While the political and religious landscape transformed dramatically, the internal self-identification as "Iran" persisted, even under new rulers and the widespread adoption of Islam. The rich Persian language and culture, though influenced by Arabic, continued to thrive, carrying the essence of "Iran" through centuries of foreign rule and diverse dynasties. This period, from 640 CE to the present, is a testament to the resilience of Iranian identity, even as the country navigated significant external pressures and internal changes. For the history of the region before the 7th century, one must look to ancient Iran, where the roots of this identity were firmly planted.

A Gradual Shift: Internal Preference and External Perception

For centuries, while the inhabitants of the land largely referred to it as Iran, the Western world predominantly used the name "Persia." This distinction often led to confusion and a disconnect between internal identity and external perception. However, by the 19th century, some Western texts began to note an internal preference for the name "Iran." This growing awareness in the West laid the groundwork for the eventual formal request for a name change. It wasn't an overnight decision but a culmination of centuries of internal usage finally gaining international recognition. The persistence of "Iran" in local parlance, literature, and official documents, even when "Persia" was the common external term, highlights the deep cultural significance of the name to its people. The question of "when did Iran become Iran" in the international consciousness is thus tied to this gradual recognition of internal preference.

Reza Shah's Formalization: The 1935 Directive

The most widely cited answer to the question "when did Persia officially become Iran" points to the actions of Reza Shah Pahlavi in the 1930s. As part of his broader modernization and nationalistic reforms, Reza Shah sought to align the country's international name with its historical and internal designation. In the 1930s, steps began to be taken by Reza Shah to formalize the change in name from Persia to Iran. The request came into force in March 1935. Specifically, on March 21, 1935, the Iranian government formally requested that all foreign countries stop using the name Persia and instead refer to the country as Iran. This was a significant diplomatic move, aimed at projecting a unified and historically accurate image of the nation on the global stage.

A Nation Rebrands: The 1935 Directive

The decision to formally request the name change in 1935 was rooted in a desire to emphasize the country's ancient heritage and its broader identity beyond the Fars region (Persia historically referred more specifically to the province of Fars). Professor Ehsan Yarshater, in his article "When Persia Became Iran" published in Iranian Studies, vol., discusses this pivotal moment. He notes that in 1935, the Iranian government requested those countries with which it had diplomatic relations to call Persia Iran, which is the name of the country in Persian. This move, while seemingly straightforward, faced significant backlash within the country. Some argued that "Persia" had a long and glorious history in the West and was widely recognized, while "Iran" might cause confusion. However, Reza Shah's vision prevailed, and the international name change from Persia to Iran was formalized in 1935 under Reza Shah Pahlavi, solidifying the answer to "when did Iran become Iran" for international diplomatic purposes.

Post-1935 Developments: Reversals and Reinforcement

Despite the 1935 formalization, the story of Iran's name did not end there. It continues to be known as Iran, even though in 1959, the ruler of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, announced that people could refer to his country as either Iran or Persia. This decision was likely a response to the internal backlash and a recognition of the historical and cultural significance of "Persia" to many Iranians and the international community. However, by this point, "Iran" had already become the predominant name both domestically and internationally. The 1959 announcement essentially offered a choice, but the momentum was clearly with "Iran." During this period, Iran experienced rapid modernization and economic expansion. Outwardly, with a swiftly expanding economy and a rapidly modernizing infrastructure, everything was going well in Iran. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi increased his political power by convening the Iran Constituent Assembly in 1949, which finally formed the Senate of Iran—a legislative upper house allowed for in the 1906 constitution but never brought into being. However, despite the outward appearance of progress, in little more than a generation, Iran had changed from a traditional, conservative, and rural society to one that was industrial, modern, and urban. This rapid transformation led to a sense that in both agriculture and industry too much had been done too quickly, creating societal stresses that would later contribute to instability. Parliament became chronically unstable, and from the 1947 to 1951 period, Iran saw the rise and fall of six different prime ministers, highlighting underlying political fragilities.

The Islamic Revolution of 1979: A New Republic

The Pahlavi dynasty came to an end with the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which overthrew Mohammad Reza Shah and established the Islamic Republic of Iran under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. This was another monumental shift in the country's identity and governance. Iran became an Islamic Republic in 1979 after the ruling Shah was forced into exile. Additionally, despite another name change in 1979, when Iran officially became the Islamic Republic of Iran, people generally refer to the country simply as Iran. This shows the enduring power of the core name, even when a descriptive prefix is added.

From Monarchy to Republic: A New Era

The transition to an Islamic Republic was fraught with challenges. Instability in Iran did not end with the creation of the Islamic Republic and remained high for a few years. The country's economy and apparatus of government had collapsed, and military and security forces were in disarray. This period was marked by internal power struggles and external pressures, including the Iran-Iraq War. However, by 1982 (or 1983), Khomeini and his supporters had crushed the rival factions and consolidated power, stabilizing the new political system. My motivation for writing this book has multiple facets. Primarily, it was to offer a fresh perspective on the events which brought Iran to become an Islamic Republic. So are misconceptions, conspiracy theories and accounts tinted by ideology, emphasizing the need for accurate historical understanding.

Iran's Modern Identity: Navigating the Present

Today, 25 years after the revolution, many Iranians long for political change, and exile Iranians in Bergen marked the occasion on a seminar at the Rafto Human Rights House where the prospects for democracy were discussed. The country continues to grapple with its identity, balancing its rich historical heritage with the realities of a modern, often challenging, geopolitical landscape. The official name remains the Islamic Republic of Iran, but the common usage of "Iran" underscores a deeper, more fundamental identity that transcends political systems. The journey of "when did Iran become Iran" is not just about a name; it's about the evolution of a civilization.

Geopolitical Context: Iran on the World Stage

Iran's position on the world stage is complex and often contentious. Iran's nuclear program is at the heart of its conflict with Israel and many Western powers. Nearly 10 years ago, the United States and other world powers reached a landmark nuclear agreement with Iran, highlighting the country's significance in international diplomacy. The relationship between Iran and Israel has a particularly interesting history. In fact, Israel and Iran were allies until Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran was one of the first states to recognize Israel after it was founded in 1948, and Israel regarded Iran as an ally against the Arab states. However, this dynamic dramatically shifted after the revolution. Recently, Israel and Iran have continued to exchange strikes in their latest conflict, which began on Friday, with angry rhetoric from both sides. Iran blames Israel, which does not claim responsibility, but Israeli media widely reports the government orchestrated a cyberattack that caused a blackout at the facility. This ongoing tension underscores the importance of understanding Iran's historical trajectory and its enduring identity as it navigates contemporary global challenges.

Conclusion: The Enduring Identity of Iran

The question of "when did Iran become Iran" reveals a story far richer than a single date. While the formal international request by Reza Shah in March 1935 marked the official transition from "Persia" to "Iran" on the global diplomatic stage, the name "Iran" itself has been an integral part of the nation's self-identification for millennia, dating back to the Sassanid Empire and beyond. It was an internal preference that eventually gained external recognition. From the ancient use of "Iran" on Sassanid documents to the Pahlavi era's formalization and the post-revolutionary adoption of "Islamic Republic of Iran," the core name "Iran" has remained resilient. It symbolizes a continuous cultural and historical lineage that transcends dynastic changes and political upheavals. The journey of Iran's name is a testament to its enduring identity, a testament to a civilization that has weathered countless storms yet maintained its fundamental essence. We hope this comprehensive exploration has shed light on the multifaceted history behind the name "Iran." What are your thoughts on the significance of a nation's name? Share your insights in the comments below, or explore other articles on our site to delve deeper into the rich history of the Middle East.

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Unraveling Iran's Name: When Did Persia Officially Become Iran?

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