By Mostafa Elyasian
The Persian Gulf is one of the most important waterways in the world. It is located in southwest Asia and has immense historical, economic and cultural significance. For centuries, this gulf has been known as the “Persian Gulf” in numerous historical and geographical sources. This name has a tradition dating back thousands of years and refers to the peoples and cultures living in the Iranian highlands. The historical and documented meaning of this name is explained in more detail below.
The Persian Gulf in ancient sources
The Greek historian Herodotus, who lived in the 5th century BC, already referred to this region as the “Persian Gulf” (Persicus Sinus). The famous Greek geographer Ptolemy also mentioned the “Persian Gulf” in his work “Geographia”.
The “Persian Gulf” in Islamic sources
During the Islamic era, Muslim scholars and geographers also referred to these waters as the “Persian Gulf”. For example, Ibn Hauqal, al-Masudi and Yaqut al-Hamawi used the name in their works. Yaqut al-Hamawi in particular described the “Persian Gulf” in detail in his book “Mu’jam al-Buldan” and identified it as part of the neighboring Iranian territories.
Historical and international maps
The name “Persian Gulf” is also recorded in many ancient and medieval maps created by European and Asian cartographers. In maps from various historical periods, including maps from the Renaissance period, this region is always referred to as the “Persian Gulf”.
Official international sources
In modern times, international organizations have officially recognized the name “Persian Gulf”. The United Nations issued a statement in 1971 stating that the name “Persian Gulf” must be used in all UN documents and reports. Numerous scientific, historical and geographical organizations, such as the National Geographic Society, also use this name in their atlases and maps.
Political motivation behind the name change
The term “Arabian Gulf” was introduced mainly from the 1960s onwards, and particularly in the wake of emerging Arab nationalism in some Arab countries. This change was made for political and regional reasons, but has no scientific basis. No historical document or map prior to this time confirms the name “Arabian Gulf”.
Preserving historical identity
The name “Persian Gulf” is not only a geographical term, but also an important part of the historical and cultural identity of the region. The documentation of this name with historical and geographical evidence refutes distortions and unfounded claims.
Sources:
Herodotus, “Histories”
Yaqut al-Hamawi, ”Mu’jam al-Buldan”
Historical maps of the United Nations
Official documents of the UN and geographical societies
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