Persia, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, is the historical name for the region that is now modern-day Iran. The name ‘Persia’ was commonly used in the Western world for centuries, derived from the ancient Greek name ‘Persis,’ which referred to the Achaemenid Empire founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE.
In 1935, the Iranian government requested that the international community refer to the country by its native name, ‘Iran,’ which means ‘Land of the Aryans.’ This change was made to reflect the country’s identity and heritage more accurately. Today, Iran is a sovereign nation in Western Asia, bordered by countries such as Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Despite the name change, the term ‘Persia’ is still sometimes used to refer to the region’s historical and cultural aspects, especially in contexts related to art, literature, and ancient history.