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==Online Resources==
==General History==
*[http://www.iichs.org/index_en.asp?img_type=1 '''Iranian Institute for Contemporary Historical Studies'''] - The institute is focused on the modern history of Iran, dating back to the 19th century. It contains an archive with collections of [http://www.iichs.org/index_en.asp?img_type=0 photos] and [http://www.iichs.org/index_en.asp?img_type=1 documents] about significant leaders, [http://www.iichs.org/index_en.asp?doc_cat=23 articles], and an [http://www.iichs.org/index_en.asp?doc_cat=17 oral history project].
Iran, historically known as Persia, is one of the world's oldest continuous major civilizations, with settlements dating back to 4000 BC. The Medes unified Iran as a nation and empire in 625 BC, and the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 BC, became one of the largest empires in history. Under Darius I, the Achaemenid Empire encompassed the Balkans and Eastern Europe in the west to the Indus Valley in the east, and from the Caucasus and Central Asia in the north to Egypt and Libya in the south.  
*[https://en.geneanet.org/fonds/?id_filter_block=search-filter-geo&loc_1=IRN&size=10 '''Geneanet'''] - A French genealogical society with 30 historical books about Iran which cover multiple timeframes and rulers. The books have been digitized but a paid subscription is required to access them.
*[https://www.tota.world/culture/persian/#overview '''Persian Culture'''] - TOTA, gives general information about Persian Culture


==History==
In the medieval period, Iran experienced significant cultural and scientific achievements, particularly during the Islamic Golden Age. The Safavid dynasty, established in 1501, marked a turning point by making Shia Islam the state religion, which has had a lasting impact on Iranian identity. This era also saw Iran becoming a major center of art, architecture, and philosophy. During the Ottoman period, Iran and the [[Ottoman Empire Genealogy|Ottoman Empire]] were often in conflict, particularly over control of territories in the Caucasus and Mesopotamia
Iran, historically known as Persia, is one of the world's oldest continuous major civilizations, with settlements dating back to 4000 BC. The Medes unified Iran as a nation and empire in 625 BC, and it reached its zenith under the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BC), founded by Cyrus the Great. Following the Achaemenids, Iran was ruled by the Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian empires, which maintained Iran's status as a leading power for nearly a millennium. The Islamic conquest of Persia in the 7th century marked a significant turning point, leading to the decline of Zoroastrianism and the rise of Islam. Despite invasions by Arabs, Turks, and Mongols, Iran continually reasserted its national identity.


The Safavid dynasty, established in 1501, was particularly notable for making Shia Islam the state religion, which remains a defining feature of Iranian identity today. During the Safavid era, Iran became a major political and cultural power, often in rivalry with the Ottoman Empire. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Iran faced significant territorial losses and political upheaval, culminating in the 1979 Iranian Revolution. This revolution transformed Iran from a monarchy under the Shah to an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini. Since then, Iran has experienced profound political, social, and economic changes, navigating its role as a regional power in the Middle East while dealing with internal and external challenges.
Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, Iran experienced significant waves of [[Iran Emigration and Immigration|emigration]] to the [[United States Genealogy|United States]], [[Canada Genealogy|Canada]], [[Germany Genealogy|Germany]], and the [[United Kingdom]] due to political and economic factors, particularly among educated professionals. The 1979 Iranian Revolution transformed the country from a monarchy into an Islamic republic, leading to profound political, social, and economic shifts. Today, Iran continues to play a crucial role in regional and global affairs, balancing its rich cultural heritage with contemporary challenges.<ref>"History of Iran," Wikipedia, updated 30 November 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Iran.</ref><ref>''Armenians in Gorgan : a region of northern Iran ; a historical journey /'' by Bagrad Cholakian. n.p.Lulu, 2014. {{FSC|4117345|item|disp=FS Catalog book 955.2/G1 F2c}}</ref><ref>Foundation for Iranian Studies, "Oral History," accessed May 29, 2025, https://fis-iran.org/oralhistory/.</ref>
 
The country's rich cultural legacy is reflected in part by its 22 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the third largest number in Asia and 11th largest in the world. Iran is a multicultural country comprising numerous ethnic and linguistic groups, the largest being Persians (61%), Azeris (16%), Kurds (10%), and Lurs (6%).<ref>"History of Iran," Wikipedia, updated 30 November 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Iran.</ref>


==Timeline==
==Timeline==
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* '''4000 BC''' Early settlements in Iran.
* '''4000 BC''' Early settlements in Iran.
* '''625 BC''' The Medes unify Iran as a nation and empire.
* '''625 BC''' The Medes unify Iran as a nation and empire.
* '''550 BC''': Cyrus the Great founds the Achaemenid Empire, one of the largest empires in history.
* '''550 BC''' Cyrus the Great founds the Achaemenid Empire, one of the largest empires in history.
* '''522–486 BC''' Darius I expands the Achaemenid Empire to its greatest extent, encompassing the Balkans and Eastern Europe in the west to the Indus Valley in the east, and from the Caucasus and Central Asia in the north to Egypt and Libya in the south.
* '''1501''' The Safavid dynasty is established, making Shia Islam the state religion and turning Iran into a major center of art, architecture, and philosophy.
* '''1501''': The Safavid dynasty is established, making Shia Islam the state religion and turning Iran into a major center of art, architecture, and philosophy.
* '''16th-17th centuries''' Iran and the [[Ottoman Empire Genealogy|Ottoman Empire]] frequently conflict over territories in the Caucasus and Mesopotamia.
* '''1588–1629''' Shah Abbas I strengthens the Safavid Empire and fosters arts and architecture.
* '''16th-17th centuries''' Iran and the Ottoman Empire frequently conflict over territories in the Caucasus and Mesopotamia.
* '''1722''' The fall of the Safavid Empire due to internal strife and external pressures.
* '''1722''' The fall of the Safavid Empire due to internal strife and external pressures.
* '''1796''' The Qajar dynasty is established by Agha Mohammad Khan, who reunites Persia and makes Tehran the capital.
* '''1796''' The Qajar dynasty is established by Agha Mohammad Khan, who reunites Persia and makes Tehran the capital.
* '''1979''' The Iranian Revolution, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, transforms Iran from a monarchy into an Islamic republic, leading to significant political, social, and economic changes.
* '''1925''' The last Qajar ruler was overthrown by Reza Khan and established the Pahlavi dynasty. This transition marked a significant shift in Iran's political landscape, leading to further modernization and centralization efforts under the new regime.
* '''1989–present''': Ali Khamenei serves as the Supreme Leader of Iran.<ref>"Visual Timeline of Iran," Iranopedia, https://www.iranopedia.com/iran-timeline.</ref>
* '''20th-21st centuries''' Significant waves of [[Iran Emigration and Immigration|emigration]] to the [[United States Genealogy|United States]], [[Canada Genealogy|Canada,]] [[Germany Genealogy|Germany]], and the [[United Kingdom]] due to political and economic factors.
* '''1979''' The Iranian Revolution, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, transforms Iran from a monarchy into an Islamic republic, leading to significant political, social, and economic changes.<ref>"Unveiling the Rich History of Iran: Traveling Through Time," Travel Around Persia, 21 June 2023, https://www.tappersia.com/history-of-iran/.</ref>
==Resources==
===Online Resources===
*''Tārīkh al-duwal wa-al-imārāt al-Kurdīyah fī al-ʻahd al-Islāmī'' by Zakī, Muḥammad Amīn. Miṣr:Maṭbaʻat al-Saʻādah, 1945. '''''Online at:''''' [https://dlib.nyu.edu/aco/book/auc_aco000386 New York University]; History of Kurdish states.
**.تاريخ الدول والإمارات الكردية في العهد الإسلامي .محمد أمين زكي النشر: مصر:مطبعة السعادة،, ‪1945


== References ==
== References ==
[[Category:Iran]]
[[Category:Iran]]
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