Persia To Iran: Unraveling The 1935 Name Change

Kenyon Legros 21 Jun 2025

The names Persia and Iran evoke images of ancient empires, rich cultural tapestries, and a history that spans millennia. For centuries, the Western world knew this fascinating land as Persia, a name synonymous with grandeur and mystique. Yet, in 1935, a significant shift occurred, officially renaming Persia to Iran. This seemingly simple change, however, was far from merely symbolic; it was a profound declaration that reshaped national identity, influenced international relations, and continues to resonate in the modern consciousness of Iranians today. Understanding when was Persia renamed Iran requires a deep dive into the historical, political, and cultural currents that led to this pivotal moment.

The story of this nation, known to the Western world for centuries as Persia, encompasses an enormous expanse of time, with its roots stretching back thousands of years. This ancient story is still unfolding today, marked by periods of immense power, cultural flourishing, and significant transformations. The transition from Persia to Iran represents a critical juncture in this long narrative, instigated by a powerful leader with a specific vision for his country's future. This article will address how Persia came to be renamed Iran, exploring a few choice aspects of the history of this most fascinating of nations.

The Enduring Legacy of Persia: An Ancient Powerhouse
The Genesis of "Iran": A Name Rooted in Antiquity
Reza Shah Pahlavi: The Architect of Change
- Nationalist Ideology and Racial Theory
- The Official Decree of 1935
More Than a Name: The Socio-Political Ramifications
Identity in Flux: Persia vs. Iran in Modern Consciousness
- The 1959 Reversal and Its Nuances
- The Islamic Republic of Iran: Another Evolution
Global Perception and Historical Continuity
The Unfolding Story: Iran Today and Tomorrow
Understanding the Nuance: Why Both Names Endure

The Enduring Legacy of Persia: An Ancient Powerhouse

To understand the significance of the name Persia, we must first delve into the region's ancient past. For over 2,500 years, Persia was one of the world's greatest civilizations, known for its rich history, grand empires, and cultural achievements. Persia emerged as a cultural and political powerhouse on the Iranian plateau around the 6th century BCE. The Persian Empire, one of the mightiest empires of the ancient world, rose to prominence under the Achaemenid dynasty, founded by Cyrus the Great. This empire unified diverse tribes under the name of Pars (modern Fars), a region in southern Iran. This region, "Pars," is the etymological root of the Western name "Persia." The Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, established a vast domain stretching from the Balkans to the Indus Valley. It was a beacon of innovation, tolerance, and administrative prowess, leaving an indelible mark on human history. Even after its conquest by Alexander the Great, and subsequent rule by the Parthians and the Romans, the cultural legacy associated with "Persia" endured. Eventually, the country was controlled by Muslims, but the deep historical roots of the Persian identity remained. The name "Persia" thus became globally synonymous with this ancient, glorious civilization, its art, literature, and philosophical contributions.

The Genesis of "Iran": A Name Rooted in Antiquity

While the Western world predominantly used "Persia," the indigenous name for the country among its own people was different. Historically known as *Airyanam*, the name "Iran" has ancient ties dating back to the Sasanian and Achaemenid periods. This name, meaning "Land of the Aryans," reflects the self-identification of the peoples inhabiting the Iranian plateau. Despite external references like *Persis* by Greeks or *Bilad Fars* by Arabs, Iranians retained their own name for their homeland. The name of the country in Persian apparently was "Iran," so this was a natural choice for their own name. "Iran" existed as a descriptor for the region from Sasanid times onwards. However, the ethnic/national identifier of "Iranian" somewhat faded after the Islamic conquests, only being truly revived in the 19th century by nationalist figures such as Akhundzadeh and Kermani. This resurgence of "Iran" as a national identifier among its own people set the stage for the formal change that would occur in the 20th century. While Iranians had been calling their nation "Iran" since 1000 BCE, this name change was only made so that the Western world would begin to refer to the country by the same name as its citizens.

Reza Shah Pahlavi: The Architect of Change

The pivotal moment when was Persia renamed Iran came in 1935, under the rule of Reza Shah Pahlavi. Reza Shah, a modernizing monarch, sought to reshape Iran's identity on the global stage. His decision to officially rename Persia as "Iran" was not arbitrary; it was a calculated move influenced by a complex web of nationalist ideology, racial theory, and even the political climate of Nazi Germany. He also went to the League of Nations to request them to start calling the nation he was ruling "Iran."

Nationalist Ideology and Racial Theory

Reza Shah's era was characterized by a strong push for national unity and modernization, often at the expense of regional diversity. The transition from Persia to Iran represents a shift in national identity instigated by Reza Shah in 1935. This move was deeply influenced by nationalist ideology that sought to emphasize the ancient Aryan roots of the Iranian people, aligning with a broader global trend of racial theories prevalent at the time, particularly those emanating from Nazi Germany. The term "Aryan" resonated with the regime's desire to project an image of a strong, unified, and racially pure nation. The decision was thus influenced by nationalist ideology, racial theory, and Nazi Germany.

The Official Decree of 1935

In 1935, Reza Shah Pahlavi officially renamed Persia as "Iran." The Persian government requested countries with which it had diplomatic relations to call Persia "Iran," which is the name of the country in Persian. This was not just a domestic policy; it was a formal diplomatic request to the international community. When he renamed Persia "Iran" a decade later, it was more than a symbolic shift—it marked the beginning of a policy of subjugation, assimilation, and suppression of Iran’s diverse national and ethnic groups. This official declaration cemented the name "Iran" as the country's formal designation on the world stage, marking the definitive moment when was Persia renamed Iran in the eyes of international diplomacy.

More Than a Name: The Socio-Political Ramifications

The renaming of Persia to Iran in 1935 was not merely a change on paper; it heralded a significant shift in national policy. The Pahlavi monarchy imposed Persian identity, Farsi as the sole official language, and Shi’ite Islam on the entire population. This policy aimed to forge a singular, unified national identity, often at the expense of the country's rich ethnic and linguistic diversity. The act of renaming was intertwined with a broader agenda of state-building, centralization, and the promotion of a specific vision of Iranian nationhood. It was a top-down imposition that sought to streamline the country's identity, aligning it with Reza Shah's modernizing and nationalistic goals. This had lasting effects on the various communities within Iran, some of whom felt their distinct identities were being suppressed under the new, unified banner.

Identity in Flux: Persia vs. Iran in Modern Consciousness

Today, "Iran" is the official name of the country. However, "Persia" is still commonly used when referring to its ancient empire, rich history, and cultural heritage. This dual usage reflects a complex interplay of historical legacy, cultural pride, and political identity. Many Iranians also prefer the name "Persia" as they think it reflects best the country’s glorious past, while "Iran" is used more in political contexts. This preference often stems from a desire to connect with the pre-Islamic, pre-Pahlavi, and pre-revolutionary eras, which are seen as periods of immense cultural and intellectual flourishing. Even today, in an effort to separate themselves from those opposed to the current government in Iran, some continue to refer to themselves as Persians.

The 1959 Reversal and Its Nuances

Interestingly, the story of the name isn't entirely linear after 1935. It continues to be known as Iran, even though in 1959, the ruler of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (Reza Shah's son), announced that people could refer to his country as either Iran or Persia. This decision acknowledged the deep-seated historical and cultural attachment to the name "Persia" both domestically and internationally. It offered a degree of flexibility, allowing individuals and nations to use whichever name they preferred, perhaps recognizing the enduring power of the older designation, particularly in cultural and historical contexts. However, despite this allowance, "Iran" had already firmly established itself as the primary official name.

The Islamic Republic of Iran: Another Evolution

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. The 1979 revolution brought about a fundamental shift in the country's political structure and ideology, but the core geographical and national identifier remained "Iran." This further solidified "Iran" as the modern political entity, while "Persia" continued to serve as a powerful cultural and historical descriptor. The continuity of "Iran" through such significant political upheavals underscores its deep roots as the indigenous name of the land.

Global Perception and Historical Continuity

For centuries, the Western world had known the country exclusively as Persia. This perception was shaped by ancient Greek texts, historical accounts of empires, and trade routes. Persia, by contrast, was only ever used in the West. The prophecy of Alexander the Great conquering Persia was fulfilled, and many people credited him as the one who conquered Persia. Many other people ruled Persia after Alexander the Great, such as the Parthians and the Romans. However, the country was eventually controlled by Muslims. As of 1935, Persia has now been renamed to Iran, officially changing how the world was expected to refer to it. The shift in 1935 was a deliberate attempt to align international nomenclature with the country's self-designation. While it took time for the change to be universally adopted, and "Persia" still lingered in cultural and historical discourse, the official request marked a definitive moment. The 1941 declaration by Reza Khan that Iran was a neutral power during World War II, despite the name change, further cemented "Iran" in international political discourse.

The Unfolding Story: Iran Today and Tomorrow

The story of Iran, and its name, is still unfolding today. The historical evolution from Persia to Iran, and the subsequent layers of identity, continue to shape how the nation perceives itself and how it is perceived by the world. The dual usage of "Persia" and "Iran" is a testament to a rich and complex history that cannot be confined to a single name. It highlights the enduring power of cultural heritage versus political designation. The debate and preference for one name over the other among Iranians themselves reflect deeper questions of national identity, historical interpretation, and political alignment. For some, "Persia" represents a golden age of pre-Islamic glory, a connection to a civilization that predates modern political divisions. For others, "Iran" embodies the contemporary nation-state, a symbol of sovereignty and self-determination in the modern era. This ongoing dialogue ensures that the legacy of both names remains vibrant and relevant.

Understanding the Nuance: Why Both Names Endure

In conclusion, the question of when was Persia renamed Iran points to a specific historical event in 1935, orchestrated by Reza Shah Pahlavi. This decision was driven by a nationalist agenda to emphasize the country's ancient Aryan roots and align its international name with its indigenous one. However, the legacy of "Persia" as a cultural and historical descriptor remains incredibly strong, particularly in the Western world and among many Iranians who cherish its ancient heritage. The subsequent developments, including Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's 1959 allowance for dual usage and the 1979 revolution leading to the Islamic Republic of Iran, further illustrate the dynamic nature of national identity and nomenclature. While "Iran" is the official and political name, "Persia" continues to resonate as a powerful symbol of a glorious past and a rich cultural legacy. This nuanced understanding is crucial for anyone seeking to grasp the full depth of this remarkable nation's identity. We hope this exploration has shed light on the fascinating history behind the names Persia and Iran. What are your thoughts on this historical renaming? Do you prefer to use "Persia" or "Iran," and why? Share your insights in the comments below, and don't forget to explore other articles on our site for more historical deep dives!

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