1935 Iran: Unveiling A Nation's New Identity
The year 1935 marks a pivotal moment in the history of a venerable nation, a year when the imperial state, long known to the Western world as Persia, officially embraced its ancient and internal designation: Iran. This seemingly simple act of nomenclature change, spearheaded by Reza Shah Pahlavi, the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty, was far more than a linguistic update; it was a profound declaration of national identity, a strategic geopolitical maneuver, and a bold step towards modernization and self-assertion on the global stage. It signaled a deliberate turning point, a clear message to the world about the nation's heritage, its aspirations, and its alignment.
This transformation from "Persia" to "Iran" was not a sudden whim but a carefully calculated move, deeply rooted in historical context and forward-looking ambition. It reflected a desire to shed outdated external perceptions and to reclaim a name that resonated with the country's deep-seated cultural and historical consciousness. Understanding the significance of 1935 requires delving into the rich tapestry of Iranian history, the geopolitical currents of the early 20th century, and the transformative vision of Reza Shah.
Table of Contents
- The Pahlavi Dynasty's Ascent and Vision
- Persia vs. Iran: A Historical Perspective
- The Geopolitical Chessboard Before 1935
- The Decree of March 1935: A Calculated Declaration
- Redefining National Identity: Beyond a Mere Name Change
- Global Repercussions and Diplomatic Adoption
- Legacy of 1935: From Monarchy to Republic
- Beyond the Name: Cultural and Etymological Notes
The Pahlavi Dynasty's Ascent and Vision
The Pahlavi dynasty, which began its rule in 1925, was founded by Reza Shah Pahlavi, a former brigadier-general of the Persian Cossack Brigade. His rise to power marked the end of the Qajar dynasty and ushered in an era of ambitious modernization and nation-building. The imperial state of Iran, officially known as the Imperial State of Persia until 1935, and commonly referred to as Pahlavi Iran, was the Iranian state under the rule of this new dynasty. Reza Shah’s reign was characterized by a strong desire to centralize power, develop infrastructure, modernize the military, and reform the legal and educational systems. He sought to create a strong, independent, and modern nation-state, capable of standing on its own feet in a rapidly changing world. The goal of the name change to Iran was deeply intertwined with this broader vision. It was meant to signal the "turning over of a new leaf" when Reza Shah took over as the ruler. This wasn't merely about semantics; it was about projecting a new image of strength, self-determination, and a clear break from a past perceived by some as weak and heavily influenced by foreign powers. By officially changing Persia’s name to Iran, or Arya, which means "land of the Aryans," it showed the world who Iran was aligned with – not necessarily with any specific foreign power, but with its own ancient, proud heritage and a renewed sense of national purpose.Persia vs. Iran: A Historical Perspective
The distinction between "Persia" and "Iran" is crucial to understanding the 1935 decision. For centuries, the people of the land had referred to their country as Iran, while Westerners predominantly used the term "Persia." This divergence in nomenclature had deep historical roots and reflected different perspectives on the nation's identity.Ancient Roots of "Iran"
Historically known as Airyanam, the name Iran has ancient ties dating back to the Sasanian and Achaemenid periods. The term "Iran" itself, meaning "Land of the Aryans," has been in common internal use for centuries. Certainly, by the 4th century AD, the term Iran was being used in writing and literature, signifying a continuous self-identification among its people. Iranians called their nation Iran since at least 1000 BC [17]. This deep historical resonance meant that for the inhabitants, "Iran" was the authentic and original name, connecting them to their ancient Indo-Iranian heritage. It was a name that evoked a sense of a shared, long-standing identity, far predating the more recent historical developments.Western Perceptions and Nomenclature
Despite the internal preference for "Iran," Westerners referred to the entire country as Persia [22, 23] until 1935. This external designation, "Persia," was a term Greek in origin ("Persis") and primarily referred to the southwestern province of Fars (or Pars), the heartland of the ancient Persian empires. Over time, this regional name became generalized by the Greeks and subsequently by other Western cultures to encompass the entire country. Similarly, Arab sources referred to it as "Bilad Faris." This external labeling, while widely accepted in the West, often overlooked the broader, multi-ethnic, and geographically diverse reality of the nation that its own people called Iran. The continued use of "Persia" by the international community, therefore, represented a historical legacy of external influence on the country's perceived identity.The Geopolitical Chessboard Before 1935
Prior to 1935, Iran was heavily influenced by Great Britain and the Soviet Union. For decades, these two powerful empires had vied for control and influence over Persia's strategic resources and geographical position, particularly its oil reserves and its role as a buffer state. This influence manifested in various forms, from economic concessions to political interference and even military presence. The Qajar dynasty, which preceded the Pahlavis, had often found itself caught between these competing powers, leading to a perception of weakness and a lack of true sovereignty. Reza Shah’s decision to change the name was, in part, a symbolic rejection of this historical subjugation. By officially changing Persia’s name to Iran, it showed the world who Iran was aligned with: itself. It was a subtle but potent declaration of independence in identity, a signal that the nation was asserting its own agency and moving away from being merely a pawn in the great game of imperial rivalries. While Iran would still face external pressures, particularly leading up to World War II, the name change was a foundational step in establishing a more self-reliant and nationally conscious foreign policy.The Decree of March 1935: A Calculated Declaration
The official name change was not a spontaneous decision but a carefully orchestrated event. In 1935, Reza Shah Pahlavi, founder of the Pahlavi dynasty, declared that the country should be called Iran internationally. On March 21, 1935, coinciding with Nowruz, the Persian New Year – a date of immense cultural and historical significance – he issued a decree requesting foreign governments to adopt "Iran" over "Persia." This wasn’t a sudden whim; it was a calculated move to formalize a change that had been contemplated and internally preferred for a long time. The Iranian government requested those countries with which it had diplomatic relations to call Persia "Iran," which is the name of the country in Persian. This diplomatic request underscored the seriousness of the decision and the expectation that the international community would respect the nation's self-chosen identity. The choice of Nowruz for the announcement further amplified its symbolic weight, linking the new designation to a deeply rooted cultural celebration of renewal and rebirth. The adoption of "Iran" (Arya – Land of the Aryans) was meant to signal a clear break from the past and a firm alignment with its own ancient heritage.Redefining National Identity: Beyond a Mere Name Change
The transition from "Persia" to "Iran" represents a profound shift in national identity instigated by Reza Shah in 1935. This move was not just about correcting a historical misnomer; it was about shaping a new narrative for the nation. The new designation at the same time distracted attention from the traditional Western designation "Persia," a term that carried connotations of exoticism and a certain degree of orientalist romanticism in the Western imagination. By insisting on "Iran," Reza Shah aimed to present a modern, self-aware nation, shedding the historical baggage associated with the "Persia" label. This redefinition was part of a broader nationalist agenda. Reza Shah sought to foster a strong, unified Iranian identity, drawing on the nation's pre-Islamic heritage and its ancient Aryan roots. The name "Iran" resonated with this vision, emphasizing a shared ancestry and a common destiny. It was a conscious effort to move away from regional or tribal loyalties and to forge a cohesive national consciousness under the banner of a unified Iran. This strategic rebranding was instrumental in the Pahlavi dynasty's efforts to modernize and centralize the state, promoting a sense of national pride and unity among its diverse population.Global Repercussions and Diplomatic Adoption
The request from the Iranian government in 1935 prompted a shift in international diplomatic protocols. Countries with diplomatic relations with Iran began to officially use "Iran" in their communications and documents. This was a significant diplomatic victory for Reza Shah, demonstrating the growing recognition of Iran as a sovereign and self-determining nation. The change was gradually adopted by international bodies and media outlets, though "Persia" continued to be used informally or culturally by some, particularly in Western contexts, for many years. Today, both "Iran" and "Persia" are used culturally, while "Iran" remains mandatory in official use. This duality reflects the complex historical relationship between internal self-identification and external perception. For stamp collectors, for instance, one might find collections categorized under both "Persia" for older stamps and "Iran" for newer ones, illustrating the historical transition. The change, however, solidified the nation's chosen identity on the world stage, ensuring that its official name reflected its own heritage and aspirations.Legacy of 1935: From Monarchy to Republic
The 1935 name change was a significant milestone in the Pahlavi dynasty's efforts to modernize and assert Iran's sovereignty. However, the Pahlavi era, which began in 1925, lasted until 1979 when it was ousted as part of the Iranian Revolution. This revolution ended the monarchy and saw Iran become an Islamic Republic. Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic Republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Reza Shah's son, was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces established a theocratic system of government with ultimate political authority vested in a learned religious scholar referred to commonly as the Supreme Leader. Even during World War II, just a few years after the name change, although Reza Khan declared Iran a neutral power, the country was eventually occupied by Allied forces due to its strategic importance. This highlights the ongoing external pressures Iran faced, even after asserting its new identity. The legacy of 1935, therefore, is not just about a name; it's about the continuous struggle for self-determination, the complexities of national identity, and the enduring impact of historical decisions on a nation's trajectory. The transition from monarchy to an Islamic Republic in 1979 marked another profound shift, but the name "Iran" remained, a testament to its ancient roots and the enduring identity forged, in part, by the events of 1935.Beyond the Name: Cultural and Etymological Notes
While the name change is the central theme of 1935 Iran, other details from the provided data offer small glimpses into the country's broader context. For instance, the coordinates 35 42 N, 51 25 E point to Tehran, the capital city. Its time difference, UTC+3.5 (8.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during standard time), with daylight saving time (+1hr, beginning fourth Wednesday in March, ending fourth Friday in September), offers a practical detail about its global positioning. Various explanations of the city's name have been proffered, but the most plausible states that it derives from the Persian words "tah" meaning "bottom" or "base," possibly referring to its location at the foot of the Alborz mountains. Culturally, the interest in collecting stamps from Iran, known as Persia until 1935, also reflects this historical transition in official nomenclature. The year 1935 also marked the 10th anniversary of the seizure of power by Reza Shah Pahlavi, adding another layer of significance to the year as a moment of reflection on his decade of rule and the changes he had brought about. These seemingly minor details contribute to a fuller picture of the nation that was consciously redefining itself in 1935.Conclusion
The year 1935 stands as a monumental turning point in the history of Iran. The official adoption of the name "Iran" over "Persia" was far more than a mere administrative formality; it was a powerful statement of national identity, a reclamation of ancient heritage, and a clear signal of a new era under Reza Shah Pahlavi's modernizing vision. This calculated move aimed to shed external historical designations and assert the nation's self-chosen identity on the world stage, deeply rooted in its "Aryan" past and looking towards a self-determined future. From the geopolitical landscape influenced by Britain and the Soviet Union to the internal drive for modernization and national unity, the 1935 decision encapsulated the aspirations of a nation seeking to define itself on its own terms. While the Pahlavi dynasty ultimately fell in 1979, the name "Iran" endures, a lasting legacy of a pivotal moment when a proud nation consciously chose to unveil its true, historical identity to the world. What are your thoughts on the significance of this name change? Did you know the history behind "Persia" becoming "Iran"? Share your insights in the comments below, and explore more articles on our site about the rich history and culture of this fascinating nation.- Alessandro Preziosi E Fidanzata
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WW539 - 1876-1935 Iran Collection - Mystic Stamp Company
IRAN Circa 1935 A Postage Stamp Printed In Iran Depicts Reza Shah
IRAN Circa 1935 A Postage Stamp Printed In Iran Depicts Reza Shah
