Why did they change Persia to Iran?

Just curious. Seems to me Persia was a much nicer name but what do I know. 🤭

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DDonde · 31-35, M

Persia was the name passed down to us in English from the Greeks. The name "Iran" is pretty old too, though, and it's the name they use for themselves. Related to our word "Aryan". The old monarchy asked that other governments start using Iran instead of Persia, so it stuck.

Lilymoon · F

@DDonde Ahh ok I still think Persia is a much nicer name. Wonder what Iraq used to be 🤔

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

@DDonde And Aryan comes from Assyrian!
@Lilymoon which BTW included Iraq and Jordan and Israel and further north!