The ancient Middle East gave rise to some of the greatest empires in human history, including Mesopotamia, the Persian Empire, Babylonia, and the Byzantine Empire. Persia, now known as Iran, is the home of one of the oldest civilizations on Earth. The history of Iran reveals that the civilization and urban settlement of this country dates back to 7000 BC. The history of Iran has witnessed more than ten thousand years of remarkable events. It is a land of astonishing cultural diversity, possessing several world heritage sites and offering excellent museums to help bring its rich past alive. Above all, traveling through Iran, you experience the legacy of this great country everywhere you go.

Check out our Iran historical and cultural tours to explore this fascinating history.

History of Iran

The prehistoric mounds of Iran have yielded outstanding pottery, from the earliest Elamite civilization to the Persian era. Names like Cyrus and Darius resonate throughout history. The history of Iran is showcased in the wonders of the Persian Empire at Pasargadae, Persepolis, and Naqsh-e Rostam. After Alexander the Great, Iran gave rise to the Parthian and Sassanian empires, which resisted Roman conquest for centuries. In the 7th century, the Sassanid Empire fell to the Arabs, and Iran embraced Islam. Subsequent Turkish and Mongol invasions led to the Ghaznavid, Seljuk, and Il Khanid dynasties. The Safavid era in the 16th century marked another golden age, especially in Isfahan. Although known as Persia for centuries, in 1935, Reza Shah Pahlavi officially adopted the name “Iran.”

 

Iranian Dynasties and Empires

Iran has a long and rich history. Over the centuries, this country was governed by various dynasties and regimes as the following:

  • Achaemenid dynasty (550-330 BC)
  • Selecuid dynasty (312-164 BC)
  • Arsacid dynasty (247 BC-228 AD)
  • Sassanid dynasty (224-651)
  • Tahirid dynasty (821-872)
  • Alavid dynasty (864-928)
  • Saffarid dynasty (861-1003)
  • Samanid dynasty (875-999)
  • Ziyarid dynasty (928-1043)
  • Buwayhid dynasty (932-1056)
  • Ghaznavid dynasty (962-1187)
  • Seljuk dynasty (1037-1194)
  • Khwarezmian dynasty (1077-1231)
  • Ilkhanid dynasty (1256-1388)
  • Muzaffarid dynasty (1314-1393)
  • Timurid dynasty (1369-1507)
  • Aq Qoyunlu (1378-1508)
  • Safavid dynasty (1502-1736)
  • Hotaki dynasty (1722-1729)
  • Afsharid dynasty (1736-1750)
  • Zand dynasty (1750-1794)
  • Qajar dynasty (1794-1925)
  • Pahlavi dynasty (1925-1979)
  • Islamic Republic of Iran (1979- present)

 

The most highlighted Iranian dynasties

 

Achaemenid Dynasty

The Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, is celebrated as the first great empire in Persia and a pivotal chapter in the history of Iran. Spanning 8 million square kilometers across three continents and encompassing over 40% of the world’s population (49.4 million of the 112.4 million people of that time), it was the largest empire in the world. Known for its centralized bureaucratic administration, advanced civil services, powerful military, and impressive infrastructure, the Achaemenid Empire also established an official language across its vast territory. Takht-e Jamshid, or Persepolis, founded by Darius in 518 BC, stands as one of the most significant historical attractions in Iran. Despite suffering damage from Alexander the Great, the ruins of this ancient city continue to draw tourists and reflect the grandeur of the empire.

Iran History

 

Safavid Dynasty

The Safavid dynasty was one of the most influential ruling families in the history of Iran. Under Shah Abbas I, the dynasty significantly impacted the cultural and intellectual landscape of the country. Shah Abbas I was a patron of the arts and commissioned the construction of numerous palaces, mosques, schools, and bridges, transforming Isfahan into the cultural and intellectual heart of Iran. Iconic monuments from the Safavid era, such as Ali Qapu, Naghsh-e Jahan Square, Si-o-Se Pol, and the Hasht Behesht Palace, stand as testaments to this transformative period.

Additionally, Shah Abbas I bolstered international trade in silk, carpets, ceramics, and metalwork, further enhancing Iran’s economic and cultural influence.

The Safavid dynasty played a pivotal role in the promotion and development of Shi’a Islam within Iran. This religious influence is vividly reflected in the Islamic art and architecture of the era, with many monuments from the Safavid period showcasing exquisite Islamic artistic expressions.

Safavid Dynasty Iran

 

Zandieh Dynasty

The Zand dynasty, founded by Karim Khan Zand in central Iran in the 18th century, holds a notable place in the history of Iran. During the Zand period, many significant historical sites were established in Shiraz, which served as the capital of Iran. Among the notable constructions from this era are the Arg of Karim Khan, the Vakil Grand Bazaar, and the Karim Khan Mosque, all of which remain important landmarks in Shiraz’s architectural heritage.

Zandiye Dynasty

 

Qajar Dynasty

The Qajars were originally a Turkmen tribe that governed their ancestral lands in Azerbaijan. Following the death of Karim Khan Zand in 1779, Agha Mohammad Khan, the leader of the Qajar tribe, endeavored to reunify the territory of Iran. Through a series of military victories over numerous rivals across the country, he successfully brought Iran under his control. In the annals of the history of Iran, Agha Mohammad Khan is recognized for establishing the Qajar dynasty and designating Tehran—a village near the ancient city of Ray—as the capital.

Qajar Dynasty Iran

 

Pahlavi Dynasty

When the Qajar dynasty failed to prevent British and Soviet encroachments, Reza Khan, a military officer, led a coup in 1921 and established the Pahlavi dynasty, becoming Reza Shah. This pivotal moment in the history of Iran marked the beginning of significant modernization. Reza Shah introduced large-scale industrial projects, a cross-country railroad, a national education system, and healthcare reforms, while also sending Iranians, including his son, to Europe for training.

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Reza Shah’s son, became the last shah of Iran, crowned on September 16, 1941, during World War II. He revamped the calendar to Shahanshahi, starting with the first Persian Empire, and in 1967, declared himself “King of the Kings” and named his wife, Farah Diba, Shahbanoo (Empress). His reign saw the construction of notable monuments in Tehran, including Sa’ad Abad Palace, Niavaran Palace, and Azadi Square.

Pahlavi Dynasty

 

Islamic Republic of Iran

After the Islamic Revolution of Iran in 1979, the Pahlavi dynasty was overthrown, marking the end of 2,500 years of monarchy in the history of Iran. This significant shift led to the formation of the Islamic Republic, spearheaded by Ayatollah Khomeini.

Islamic republic of Iran history

 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Iran’s rich history is reflected in its numerous historical monuments scattered across various cities, attracting thousands of tourists from around the world each year. Significant historical attractions in Iran include the ancient monument of Takht-e-Jamshid in Persepolis, the stunning historical gardens of Kashan, the mesmerizing adobe buildings of Bam and Yazd, the ancient mansions of Isfahan, and the luxurious palaces in Tehran. For those passionate about the history of Iran, a visit to this remarkable country is truly worthwhile.