<P> In the Western world , Persia ( or one of its cognates ) was historically the common name for Iran . In 1935 , Reza Shah Pahlavi asked foreign delegates to use the term Iran , the historical name of the country , used by its native people , in formal correspondence . Iran literally means Land of Aryans in Persian language . Since then , in the Western World , the use of the word `` Iran '' has become more common . This also changed the usage of the terms for Iranian nationality , and the common adjective for citizens of Iran changed from Persian to Iranian . In 1959 , the government of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi , Reza Shah Pahlavi 's son , announced that both `` Persia '' and `` Iran '' could officially be used interchangeably . </P>
<P> In the Western world , Persia ( or one of its cognates ) was historically the common name for Iran . In 1935 , Reza Shah Pahlavi asked foreign delegates to use the term Iran , the historical name of the country , used by its native people , in formal correspondence . Iran literally means Land of Aryans in Persian language . Since then , in the Western World , the use of the word `` Iran '' has become more common . This also changed the usage of the terms for Iranian nationality , and the common adjective for citizens of Iran changed from Persian to Iranian . In 1959 , the government of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi , Reza Shah Pahlavi 's son , announced that both `` Persia '' and `` Iran '' could officially be used interchangeably . </P>
when did persia change its name to iran
when did persia change its name to iran
1935
1935