The Ancient Roots of Iranic Peoples: Before the First Turk Was Born
By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
The history of Iran and the Iranic peoples is a profound and ancient tale that predates the first Turk by millennia. It is a history steeped in the achievements of a vast array of cultures united under the banner of the Achaemenid Empire, a civilization that gave birth to the country we now call Iran. While not all Iranic peoples hail from the modern nation of Iran, it is undeniable that Iranic Parsi tribes were the architects of its foundation.
As someone of Iranian descent, I find it vital to shed light on this heritage—especially when revisionist narratives attempt to overshadow the contributions of Iranic peoples with those of later arrivals like the Turks. This article will explore the rich legacy of the Iranic peoples, emphasizing their foundational role in shaping not only Iran but also the greater cultural, linguistic, and political landscape of Eurasia.
The Origins of the Iranic Peoples
The term "Iranic" refers to a linguistic and ethnic family of peoples who share common Indo-European roots. The ancestors of the Iranic peoples, the Proto-Indo-Iranians, are believed to have emerged around the late third millennium BCE in the Eurasian steppes, particularly around the Andronovo culture. These peoples eventually branched into various groups, spreading across Central Asia, the Iranian Plateau, and beyond.
Among the earliest Iranic groups were the Medes, the Parthians, the Sarmatians, and the Scythians. These tribes laid the cultural and linguistic groundwork for what would become the Persian (Parsi) civilization. Importantly, the Iranic peoples predate the arrival of the Turks, whose earliest historical mentions appear in the 6th century CE as the Göktürks in Central Asia. By that time, Iranic civilizations had already flourished for over 2,000 years.
The Formation of Iran: The Achaemenid Empire
The country of Iran, as a cohesive political entity, was established during the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE). Founded by Cyrus the Great, the Achaemenid Empire was the first true Iranian empire, uniting diverse ethnicities and cultures under a single administration.
Cyrus’s declaration of human rights, famously recorded on the Cyrus Cylinder, reflected the values of tolerance and governance that would define Persian rule. The Achaemenid Empire stretched from the Indus Valley in the east to the Aegean Sea in the west, incorporating a vast array of peoples and laying the foundation for what we recognize today as Iran.
The name “Iran” itself is derived from “Aryanam,” meaning “Land of the Aryans,” a reference to the ancient Indo-European tribes, including the Medes and Persians, who settled the region. This heritage ties the modern nation of Iran directly to the Iranic Parsi tribes who built its first great empire.
Iranic Peoples Beyond Iran
It is essential to understand that the Iranic peoples are not confined to the modern borders of Iran. From the ancient Scythians who roamed the Eurasian steppes to the Sogdians of Central Asia and the Alans of the Caucasus, Iranic peoples have played critical roles in world history far beyond the Iranian Plateau.
For example:
- The Scythians were renowned as fierce warriors and traders, influencing cultures from Greece to China.
- The Sarmatians and Alans left a significant mark on European history, with the Alans even contributing to the early medieval kingdoms of Western Europe.
- The Bactrians and Sogdians served as cultural intermediaries along the Silk Road, spreading Iranic culture, language, and Zoroastrian beliefs.
While the Turks eventually dominated much of Central Asia and Anatolia, their arrival was relatively recent in comparison to the deep history of the Iranic peoples in these regions.
The Iranic Legacy
The Iranic peoples gave the world a wealth of cultural, linguistic, and philosophical treasures long before the first Turk was born. Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, emerged among Iranic peoples and influenced later faiths, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Linguistically, the Iranic languages—including Persian (Farsi), Kurdish, Pashto, and others—remain vital to millions of people today. These languages trace their lineage directly to the ancient Iranic tongues, preserving the legacy of a civilization that has stood the test of time.
Conclusion
Iran was not a gift bestowed upon its people by outsiders, nor is its history tied solely to modern borders or recent migrations. It was the Iranic Parsi tribes who formed the backbone of the Achaemenid Empire and gave birth to the nation of Iran—a legacy that endures despite the challenges of history.
By understanding this heritage, we not only honor our ancestors but also reclaim the narrative from those who seek to obscure the truth. As an Iranian-American, former Muslim, and now a proud Christian conservative, I find inspiration in the resilience of my Iranic heritage. It reminds me that true greatness is rooted in faith, freedom, and an unyielding commitment to preserving what is just and true.
References
- Briant, Pierre. From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire. Eisenbrauns, 2002.
- Kriwaczek, Paul. In Search of Zarathustra: Across Iran and Central Asia to Find the World's First Prophet. Vintage, 2003.
- Curtis, John E. The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia: A New Beginning for the Middle East. British Museum Press, 2013.
- Harmatta, János. “The Rise of the Old Persian Empire.” The Cambridge History of Iran, Vol. 2, Cambridge University Press, 1985.
- Frye, Richard N. The Heritage of Persia. Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1962.
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