Iran History

Iran Wiki Topics

Iran Beginning Research

Getting Started Online Learning Record Finder Research Strategies Finding Town of Origin

Record Types

Cemeteries Census Church Records Civil Registration Colonial Records Compiled Genealogies Emigration & Immigration Newspapers Online Genealogy Records Religious Records Tribes and Clans

Iran Background

Biographies Gazetteers History Languages Maps Naming Customs Periodicals Social Life & Customs

Iran Genealogical Word Lists

Farsi (Persian)

Local Research Resources

Archives & Libraries Societies Local FamilySearch Center

In other languages: فارسی

Middle East

Iran

History

Online Resources

• 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 photos and documents about significant leaders, articles, and an oral history project.
• 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.
• Persian Culture - TOTA, gives general information about Persian Culture

History

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.

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%).

Timeline

• 4000 BC Early settlements in Iran.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 1989–present: Ali Khamenei serves as the Supreme Leader of Iran.