Iran

The Safavid shahs had the loyalty of the Qizilbash primarily due to their shared commitment to Shia Islam, which the Qizilbash had fervently supported since the early days of the Safavid movement. The shahs offered the Qizilbash a prominent role in the military and administrative structures of the empire, thus securing their loyalty through both ideological alignment and material benefits. Additionally, the Safavid rulers cultivated a sense of religious and cultural identity that resonated deeply with the Qizilbash, further reinforcing their allegiance. This mutual dependency helped consolidate the power of the Safavid dynasty in Persia.

In the early 1950s, the United States orchestrated the 1953 coup that overthrew Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, primarily to secure Western control over Iranian oil resources and counter perceived communist influence. This operation, known as Operation Ajax, was executed in collaboration with British intelligence and aimed to restore the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to power. The U.S. subsequently supported the Shah's authoritarian regime, which fostered resentment among Iranians and laid the groundwork for future tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

Iranians are ethnically diverse, with major groups including Persians, Azeris, Kurds, Lurs, and Baloch, which distinguishes them from many other Southwest Asians who may belong to more homogenous ethnic backgrounds. The Persian language and culture have historically been dominant, shaping a unique national identity that incorporates various ethnic influences. In contrast, many neighboring Southwest Asian countries have more pronounced Arab or Turkish majorities, resulting in different cultural and linguistic characteristics. Overall, Iran's ethnic mosaic contributes to its complex social and cultural landscape.

The Persians, particularly during the Achaemenid Empire (c. 550-330 BCE), established one of the largest empires in ancient history, stretching from the Indus Valley to Egypt and parts of Europe. While they exerted significant influence over a vast region, including advancements in administration, culture, and trade, they did not "rule the world" in the modern sense. Their empire eventually fell to Alexander the Great, marking the end of Persian dominance. Thus, while they had substantial power and influence, they did not encompass the entire globe.

The Maine Colonel at the center of the Iran-Contra scandal was Oliver North. He was a National Security Council staff member who played a significant role in the clandestine operations that involved the illegal sale of arms to Iran and the diversion of proceeds to support Contra rebels in Nicaragua. North's actions and subsequent trial brought significant attention to the scandal and raised important questions about government accountability and oversight.

One major outcome of the Tehran Conference, held in November-December 1943, was the agreement among Allied leaders—Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin—to launch a coordinated military campaign against Nazi Germany. They decided on the necessity of a cross-channel invasion of France (Operation Overlord) to open a Western front, which would alleviate pressure on Soviet forces on the Eastern Front. Additionally, the conference solidified the commitment to post-war cooperation and the establishment of the United Nations.

During the Gulf War, particularly in the Desert Storm phase, Iran provided limited support to the Iraqi Air Force by allowing some Iraqi aircraft to seek refuge in Iranian territory. This refuge enabled the Iraqi Air Force to avoid destruction from coalition forces. However, Iran's primary focus was on its own interests in the region, and its support was not extensive or officially sanctioned. The relationship was complex, as both nations had a history of conflict following the Iran-Iraq War.

'Nannari' is commonly referred to as 'Indian sarsaparilla' or 'anantmool' in English. It's a herbal drink made from the roots of the sarsaparilla plant, known for its refreshing taste and numerous health benefits, including cooling properties and detoxification. Often enjoyed as a syrup mixed with water, it's popular in South India, especially during the hot months.

Iran, Kuwait, and Oman are located in the Middle East region of Asia. Specifically, Iran is situated in the northeastern part of the region, while Kuwait lies to its southwest along the Persian Gulf. Oman is located to the southeast of Saudi Arabia and also borders the Arabian Sea. Together, these countries are part of the Arabian Peninsula and the broader geopolitical landscape of Southwest Asia.

The Greeks sought refuge on the island of Salamis to escape the advancing Persian forces during the Greco-Persian Wars. Salamis played a crucial role in the naval Battle of Salamis in 480 BC, where the Greek fleet, led by Athenian generals, achieved a decisive victory against the larger Persian navy. This battle was pivotal in turning the tide against the Persian invasion.

The value of jewelry from the Shah of Iran can vary significantly based on factors such as historical significance, materials used, and craftsmanship. Pieces that belonged to the last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, often feature precious gemstones and intricate designs, making them highly sought after by collectors. Some items, like the Iranian Crown Jewels, are considered priceless due to their royal heritage and unique artistry. Overall, specific valuations can range from thousands to millions of dollars depending on the piece.

The Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires were significant Islamic empires that spanned large regions in the early modern period. The Ottoman Empire was primarily located in Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, becoming one of the largest empires in history. The Safavid Empire was centered in Persia (modern-day Iran) and was smaller in size compared to the Ottomans. The Mughal Empire, situated in the Indian subcontinent, was also expansive but varied in size over time, reaching its peak in the 17th century, making it one of the most influential empires in South Asia.

In 1629, the northernmost boundary of the Safavid Empire was approximately at latitude 40°N. This boundary extended into parts of modern-day Georgia and Azerbaijan, reflecting the empire's influence in the region. The Safavid Empire was known for its territorial expansion and cultural achievements during this period.

Alexander's change of heart about the Persians can be attributed to his exposure to their culture and governance during his conquests. Initially motivated by a desire for revenge against Persia for previous Greek subjugation, he later recognized the administrative efficiency and sophistication of Persian society. This led him to adopt some Persian customs and integrate Persians into his administration, reflecting a strategic shift towards unification rather than mere conquest. Ultimately, this change illustrated his ambition to create a blended empire that incorporated both Greek and Persian elements.

The surname "Arida" is not commonly recognized as an Iranian name. It may have origins in other cultures or languages, but it is not traditionally associated with Iran. In Persian, the name does not have a specific meaning or significance. If you are looking for a particular context or region, the surname might have different associations.

Alexander the Great defeated the Persians at the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BCE. This decisive battle, fought near present-day Erbil in Iraq, showcased Alexander's tactical genius against the larger Persian forces led by King Darius III. The victory solidified Alexander's control over the Persian Empire and marked a significant turning point in his conquests.

The scandalous crime involving Iran typically refers to the Iran-Contra Affair, which occurred during the 1980s. In this political scandal, senior U.S. officials secretly facilitated the sale of arms to Iran, which was then in conflict with Iraq and designated as a state sponsor of terrorism. The profits from these sales were then used to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua, circumventing a congressional ban on such funding. The affair raised significant ethical and legal questions about the conduct of the Reagan administration.

The name "Iran" has roots in the word "Aryan," reflecting the country's Indo-European heritage. The change from "Persia" to "Iran" was officially made in 1935 when Reza Shah Pahlavi requested that foreign nations use "Iran" as the country's name, emphasizing its historical and cultural identity. This shift aimed to signify a broader national identity beyond the Persian ethnic group.

Byzantines and Persians were surprised by the strength of the Arab Muslims due to the latter's rapid military successes and the unity they exhibited under Islam, which was a stark contrast to the fragmented and often weakened state of the Byzantine and Persian empires. The Arab armies were highly motivated by religious fervor and a desire for expansion, which allowed them to execute swift and coordinated campaigns. Additionally, the internal strife and exhaustion from previous conflicts within both empires left them ill-prepared for the unexpected and aggressive military tactics of the Arab forces. This combination of factors led to significant Arab victories, altering the balance of power in the region.

The country that is east of Turkey, south of Georgia, west of Azerbaijan, and north of Iran is Armenia. It is a landlocked country located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. Armenia shares borders with these countries, making it strategically situated in the region.

The longest hostage standoff in history occurred during the 1977-1978 incident involving a group of armed militants in a building in Stockholm, Sweden. The standoff lasted for 130 hours and ended on February 28, 1978, when police stormed the building. This event is often remembered as the basis for the term "Stockholm syndrome," describing the bond that can develop between hostages and their captors.

In 1935, Iran was undergoing significant political and social changes under the rule of Reza Shah Pahlavi, who aimed to modernize and secularize the nation. The country was characterized by efforts to centralize power, develop infrastructure, and promote nationalism. Traditional lifestyles coexisted with emerging modern influences, as urban areas began to adopt Western styles in architecture, education, and clothing. However, the rural population largely maintained older customs, resulting in a diverse cultural landscape.

The Iranian Revolution was driven by both short-term and long-term causes. Short-term factors included widespread discontent with the Shah's regime due to political repression, economic inequality, and social injustices, exacerbated by the 1978 protests against his authoritarian rule. Long-term causes involved deep-rooted grievances against Western influence in Iran, particularly after the 1953 CIA-backed coup that restored the Shah, as well as the rise of various ideological movements, including Islamic fundamentalism led by Ayatollah Khomeini. Together, these factors created a volatile environment that ultimately led to the overthrow of the Shah in 1979.

The government of Ayatollah Khomeini sought to rid Iran of Western influence, particularly that of the United States and its cultural and political ideologies, which they viewed as corrupting. They aimed to eliminate secularism and establish an Islamic Republic based on Shia Islamic principles, emphasizing a return to traditional values. Additionally, the regime sought to suppress opposition and dissent, targeting political groups and individuals that did not align with their revolutionary ideals.

No, Iraq and Iran are not located within the Tropic of Cancer. The Tropic of Cancer is situated at approximately 23.5 degrees north latitude, while Iraq and Iran are located further north. Iraq's northernmost point is around 37 degrees north, and Iran extends even further north, reaching up to around 40 degrees north.