In recent years, certain Afghan nationalist circles have pushed the narrative that Iranians are not the "real Iranians" due to the country’s official name change from Persia to Iran in 1935. This claim not only misrepresents history but also ignores the deep-rooted identity of the Iranian people, which predates both Western and Islamic classifications. As an Iranian Christian with a deep reverence for historical accuracy, I find it necessary to correct these misconceptions.
Persia: A Roman and Western Imposition
The name Persia originates from the Greek Persis (Περσίς), which itself was a reference to the province of Pārsa (پارسه), home to the Achaemenid royal lineage. The term Persia was later adopted by the Romans and became the dominant Western reference to Iran for centuries. However, the Iranian people have never identified themselves as Persians in the way the West imposed. The true name of our nation has always been Ērān (ایران), derived from Aryānām (آریانام), meaning "Land of the Aryans."
Iran: The Eternal Name of a Civilization
Contrary to revisionist claims, the term Iran was not an invention of the 20th century. The Sassanian Empire (224–651 AD) officially referred to itself as Ērānshahr (ایرانشهر), meaning "Empire of Iran." This name persisted in literature, poetry, and national identity even after the Islamic conquest. Ferdowsi, the great Persian poet of the 10th century, consistently referred to the homeland as Iran in the Shahnameh.
The Misguided Afghan Narrative
Some Afghan nationalists claim that modern Iranians are not "true Iranians" due to the name change from Persia to Iran. However, this argument is rooted in misunderstanding. Afghan identity itself is historically tied to Iran, as the region of present-day Afghanistan was part of Greater Iran for millennia. Cities like Herat and Balkh were integral centers of Iranian civilization. The division of Iran and Afghanistan was a result of colonial manipulation, particularly by the British in the 19th century, rather than an inherent ethnic or cultural distinction.
A Call for Historical Integrity
As Iranian Christians, we uphold the truth and reject historical distortions. The name Iran is not a modern invention but the authentic and ancient name of our homeland. Those who attempt to delegitimize Iranian identity do so out of political or ideological motivations, not historical accuracy. The truth remains: Persia was a Western term, but Iran has always been Iranian.
References
Frye, R. N. The Heritage of Persia. (1962)
Yarshater, Ehsan. Iranian Identity in the Pre-Islamic Period. (1983)
Ferdowsi, Shahnameh, 10th century AD
Ghirshman, R. Iran: From the Earliest Times to the Islamic Conquest. (1954)
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