Iran (word)
The name of Iran derives immediately from Middle Persian Ērān, Pahlavi ʼyrʼn, first attested in this form in the inscription that accompanies the investiture relief of Ardashir I at Naqsh-e Rustam. In this inscription, the king's Middle Persian appellation is ardašīr šāhān šāh ērān corresponding to the passage ardašīr šāhān šāh aryān in the Parthian inscription accompanying the Middle Persian one. Both means "Ardashir, king of kings of Aryans". Though in English the name Persia was once the norm, Iran is today the preferred name.
Read more about Iran (word): Etymology, Usage in The Medieval Islamic Period, Modern Usage
Famous quotes containing the word iran:
“During my administration the most unpleasant and perhaps most dramatic negotiations in which we participated were with the various leaders of Iran after the seizure of American hostages in November 1979. The Algerians were finally chosen as the only intermediaries who were considered trustworthy both by me and the Ayatollah Khomeini. After many aborted efforts, final success was achieved during my last few hours in the White House.”
—Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter, Jr.)