Persia is a name given to Iran by the Greeks during the classical age. Iran is the original name for the country. However, the term “Persia” is preferred by some, as they feel it evokes a romantic past, a time of exploration of the mysterious Orient.
We toured Iran from 26 Nov to 2 Dec 2009. It was such a wonderful trip to see the magnificent sights in Persepolis, Isfahan, and Tehran, not to mention savouring the fabled Persian cuisine.
It is sad to see the war situation now, especially when Iranians celebrate their Nowruz tomorrow, 21 March 2026, in conjunction with the Eid al-Fitr festival.
Nowruz (meaning “new day” in the Persian language) is the Iranian, or Persian, festival celebrating the coming of spring—and the regeneration it brings. It is the first day of the year in the Iranian solar calendar, marking the exact moment of the spring equinox. The date varies between March 19 and 21; this year, it’s March 21.
Nowruz is the most important festival for Iranians. This is a reflection of the preservation of their pre-Islamic past.
Here are some books to read before you go to Iran once the war is over.
Friday 20 March 2026, eve of Hari Raya.