1. Mesopotamia to Iraq
✓ Historical Context:
Mesopotamia, often dubbed the “Cradle of Civilization,” is situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in modern Iraq. It was the birthplace of some of humanity’s earliest civilizations, such as the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians and Assyrians. This area is celebrated for its innovations in writing, urban development and organized societies. Over time, Mesopotamia was absorbed by various empires, including the Persian Empire and subsequently the Islamic Caliphates. The term “Iraq” started to emerge in the 6th century during the Sassanid Empire, eventually becoming the official designation for the contemporary state after the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century.
2. Indus Valley to Pakistan
✓ Historical Context:
The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the earliest urban societies, thrived between 2600 and 1900 BCE in parts of present-day Pakistan and northwest India. Renowned for its advanced cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, this civilization exhibited early developments in writing, architecture and social structure. Following its decline, the area experienced a succession of empires and invasions, notably the Maurya and Gupta Empires, as well as subsequent Islamic Caliphates. After the conclusion of British rule in India in 1947, this region gained independence as Pakistan, a name that reflects the Islamic character of the new nation.
3. Roman Empire to Italy
✓ Historical Context:
The Roman Empire, at its peak in 117 AD, sprawled across much of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, making it one of history’s most formidable empires. Rome served as the empire’s epicenter, which left a profound impact on law, governance, architecture and language. Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, the area fractured into various kingdoms and states. The modern state of Italy was unified in the 19th century, yet the legacy of Rome remains a vital aspect of its cultural heritage.
4. Persia to Iran
✓ Historical Context:
Persia, famed for its illustrious history of empires such as the Achaemenid, Parthian and Sassanid, was a prominent ancient civilization that made substantial contributions to art, science and governance. The name “Persia” was commonly used by outsiders for centuries, derived from “Pars,” a region within the empire. However, the native designation for the country has always been “Iran,” which translates to “Land of the Aryans.” In 1935, Reza Shah advocated for the global community to adopt “Iran” as the official name, aligning it with the title its people had used for millennia.
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