Iran: Persian Heritage and Revolutionary State

Iran, historically known as Persia, has one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations, spanning millennia of empires, poetry, and culture. The 1979 Islamic Revolution transformed Iran into an Islamic Republic, creating tensions with the West while maintaining distinct Persian identity.

Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great was antiquity's largest empire, known for relative tolerance and administrative sophistication. Persian language, art, and poetry (Rumi, Hafez, Omar Khayyam) have influenced Islamic and world literature. Iran's architectural treasures include Isfahan's mosques and Persepolis ruins, showcasing Persian aesthetic sophistication.

Modern Iran is predominantly Shia Muslim, distinguishing it from Sunni-majority Arab neighbors. Despite sanctions and international isolation following the revolution, Iran maintains significant regional influence and has developed indigenous technological capabilities. Iranian culture emphasizes hospitality, poetry, and family. Young, educated population contrasts with conservative government, creating internal tensions about Iran's future direction.