History of Iran

Categories: Social Science
    • Founded: 559 BC
    • Founded by: Cyrus II
    • Formerly: Persian Empire and Persia
    • Location: Middle East
    • Languages: Persian (Parsi or Farsi) and Persian dialects, Turkic dialects, Kurdish
    • Current Population: about 65,875,000 (2008)CIA World Factbook: Iran Facts
    • Bordered by: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Caspian Sea

  • The history of Iran dates back to the 8th century BC. During its long and tumultuous existence, the country was at times a highly organized, flourishing society, and at times a constellation of fragmented parts. Known for centuries as the Persian Empire or Persia, it has been called Iran since 1935.Iran Chamber Society: When "Persia" became "Iran"

  • Key Events

    The foundations of modern Iran were laid in the 16th century when, after a prolonged period of foreign rule, the Persian Safavid dynasty rose to power and proclaimed the Shia branch of Islam as the official religion.Mage Publishers: From Ancient Persia to Contemporary Iran The wars with neighbors, territorial fragmentations and the interference of the great European powers plagued Persia into the 20th century. The ascent of the Pahlavi dynasty in 1925 marked the beginning of the centralization of the power and the modernization of the country. The opposition of the conservative sectors to the modernization, on one side, and the discontent with the dictatorial style of governance of the Pahlavis, on the other, culminated in 1978 with the Islamic Revolution.MidEastWeb: Iran: A Brief History The Revolution ended the monarchy in Iran and established theocracy, which gives the unelected religious leaders the final authority on all matters.GlobalSecurity.org: Iran: 25th Anniversary Of Islamic Revolution Commemorated Amid Serious Political Crisis (February 11, 2004)

  • Key Figures

    Cyrus II is considered the founder of Persia, the country now known as Iran, in 550 BC. Many rulers were renown for building magnificent cities and for promoting arts and science. The influence of religious leaders is predominant in modern Iran.U.S. Department of State: Background Note: Iran But it is the poets who most profoundly defined Persian culture.Mage Publishers: From Ancient Persia to Contemporary Iran Among the most prominent are Rudaki (859-c.941), Ferdowsi (935-1020), Rumi (1207-1273) and Saadi (13th century)Iraj Bashiri: [http://www.angelfire.com/rnb/bashiri/Poets/Rudaki.html Life and Works of Abu 'Abd Allah Rudaki Farsinet: Hakim Abol-Ghasem Ferdowsi Toosi Iran Chamber Society: Molana Jalal-e-Din Mohammad Molavi Rumi Iransaga: SAADI - The Genius of Shiraz

  • The Language

    Persian language belongs to the Indo-European group of languages. It is one of the oldest languages still in use.United Nations Human Rights: Farsi/Persian Version: Profile After the Arab conquest, Arabic was the official language for almost two centuries. Modern Persian - Farsi or Parsi - is written using a modified form of Arabic alphabet. English words of Persian origin include shawl, pajama, taffeta, khaki, kiosk, divan, lilac, jasmine, julep, jackal, caravan, bazaar, checkmate, dervish, and satrap.United Nations Human Rights: Farsi/Persian Version: Profile

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