What was iran called until 1935

The country's population, while ethnically and linguistically diverse, is almost entirely Muslim. For centuries, the region has been the center of the Shia branch of Islam see Shiites. Iran ranks among the world's leaders in its reserves of oil and natural gas. Some Westerners thought that it was perhaps one of the new countries like Iraq and Jordan carved out of the ruins of the Ottoman Empire, or a country in Africa or Southeast Asia that had just been granted independence; and not a few confused it with Iraq, itself a recent entity.

As time passed and as a number of events, like the Allied invasion of Iran in and the nationalization of the oil industry under Prime Minster Dr Mohammad Mosaddeq, put the country in the headlines, the name "Iran" became generally accepted, and "Persia" fell into comparative disuse, though more slowly in Britain than in the United States. In , however, the Iranian government requested that all countries with which it had diplomatic relations call the country by its Persian name, Iran. At that time, Germany had good relations with countries of Aryan descent.

To signal the changes that had come to Persia under the rule of Reza Shah, namely that Persia had freed itself from the grip of the British and Russians, it would be known as Iran. But as time went on and Iran made headlines, particularly after Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mosaddeq nationalized the oil industry, it became more familiar.

Also Iran is well-known due to the hospitality that wonderfully complements the land's rich culture and unique landscapes. There are many places that you can visit while in Iran: Isfahan the jewel of Iran's art and architecture, Shiraz, the cradle of the oldest empire and beauty of the south, Yazd a hidden pearl in the heart of Iran's central desert with its friendly people and Zoroastrian heritage … and the list goes on and on.

You'll find each place in this land has its own distinct personality and offers its own mysteries and beauties for you to explore in your own way. We invite you to explore Iran, experience its uniqueness, immerse in its culture and we promise you will fully apprehend why we so much love this beautiful land that we call home! About Iran A southwest Asian country, Iran is the home of the world's most ancient civilizations and empires.