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Iran, historically known as Persia until 1935, has a rich history that spans thousands of years, dating back to the Elamite Kingdom in 2800 BCE. Its strategic location between East and West has made it a crossroads of major civilizations and the center of several significant empires. Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE), is an iconic figure recognized for his human rights charter, considered by some to be the first of its kind. Another key figure, Avicenna (Ibn Sina), was a Persian polymath during the Islamic Golden Age, and his works, particularly in philosophy and medicine, left a significant legacy in the world. The 20th century was marked by the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, who modernized the country but was eventually overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, leading to the establishment of the current Islamic Republic of Iran.
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The provinces of Iran
Iran is divided into 31 provinces:
- Alborz
- Ardabil
- Bushehr
- Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari
- East Azerbaijan
- Isfahan
- Fars
- Gilan
- Golestan
- Hamadan
- Hormozgan
- Ilam
- Kerman
- Kermanshah
- Khuzestan
- Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad
- Kurdistan
- Lorestan
- Markazi
- Mazandaran
- North Khorasan
- Qazvin
- Qom
- Razavi Khorasan
- Semnan
- Sistan and Baluchestan
- South Khorasan
- Tehran
- West Azerbaijan
- Yazd
- Zanjan
Each province is divided into counties (Shahrestan), which are further divided into districts (Bakhsh), and each district usually contains one or more cities and a few rural districts (Dehestan).
Iranian geography
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Researching family history in Iran
Iranian ethnicity
Iran is a culturally diverse country, home to various ethnic groups that have influenced its rich history and cultural tapestry. The largest ethnic group is Persians, who make up most of the population and are primarily located in the center of the country. Azeris, the second largest ethnic group, are predominantly found in the northwestern regions. Other significant ethnic groups include the Kurds in the west, Arabs in the south and southwest, Lurs in the western part of the country, Balochis in the southeast, and Turkmens in the northeastern regions. Each of these groups maintains their own unique languages, traditions, and cultural practices, contributing to the vibrant diversity of Iran.
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Iranian surnames
Iranian surnames offer an intriguing lens into family history research in Iran. Traditionally, Persians did not use surnames until the 20th century when the government mandated their adoption for identity documentation. As a result, many Iranian surnames are relatively recent and often signify a person's profession, geographical origin, or father's name. For example, many modern surnames reflect a family's local city or region. Someone with the last name TEHRANI is likely to have heritage in Tehran. Understanding the meanings and conventions behind these surnames can provide valuable clues when researching family history. For instance, surnames such as Pahlavi and Bakhtiari signify royal or tribal origins, respectively. However, the relatively recent adoption of surnames and the commonality of certain names can also present challenges in tracing genealogical connections.
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