The body of sea between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran has been at the heart of world history, not just because of its oil reserves and geopolitical position, but because of the naming. Officially called the Persian Gulf, the other Arab nations prefer to call it the Arabian Gulf. It is not a question of names but a segment of a much richer narrative of history, politics, pride, and identity.
Where Did the Name “Persian Gulf” Originate?
The title Persian Gulf has been in existence for over two millennia. The old Greek and Roman authors, such as the renowned geographer Ptolemy, referred to this body of water as the Persian Gulf. This was appropriate because the Persian Empire, a regional power then, had control over the northern coast of the Gulf. The empire controlled much of the land and was the source of trade, culture, and warfare. For centuries, the name remained popular. It was referred to as the Persian Gulf on European maps, by travelers, and even in Arabic books on history. The great Arab historians Al-Tabari and Ibn Khaldun also referred to it by the same name. It was not merely a name, but a reflection of centuries of Persian civilization in the region.
The Rise of “Arabian Gulf”
The proposal to rename it Arabian Gulf began gaining popularity in the mid-twentieth century. Most of the Arab nations were gaining independence at that time, and they were developing a growing sense of group identity. In the 1960s, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser began promoting the name Arabian Gulf as part of a broader Arab nationalist movement. For many in the Arab world, adopting this new name was a means of challenging Iranian hegemony and asserting their presence in the Gulf. The relationship deteriorated further following the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran. With the Iranian government adopting a more assertive and religiously motivated policy in regional affairs, Iran’s neighboring Arab countries became restless. Throughout the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein employed the name Arabian Gulf over and over in an attempt to infuriate Iran and unify the Arabs. Years passed, and various Arab countries, mainly those in the Gulf region like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, began to use Arabian Gulf in their newspapers, schools, and government reports. The naming issue became another means for countries on both sides of the water to boast about their own national pride.
What Does the World Say?
In spite of greater use of Arabian Gulf by Arab countries, officially, the majority of the world still uses Persian Gulf. The United Nations and the International Hydrographic Organization still use it on all official documents and maps. Organizations rely on historical facts, and since the name Persian Gulf has been used for more than two thousand years, they regard it as the correct nomenclature. Iran has been vocal and persistent in defending the historical name. In fact, in 2006, member states were encouraged by the United Nations to employ the name Persian Gulf exclusively in official documents. Iran even celebrates Persian Gulf Day on April 30 each year to commemorate the day in 1622 when the Portuguese naval force was driven out of the Strait of Hormuz by Persian forces.
Why Is the Name So Important?
It is not merely words or mapmaking. It is deeply an emotional response to political sovereignty, history, and culture as well. The Persian Gulf, to the Iranians, is their own established history and identity. To refer to it otherwise feels like a destruction of that heritage. To the Arabs, to refer to it as the Arabian Gulf is a means of projecting their own power and reacting against perceived Iranian dominance. In some business or diplomatic situations, individuals attempt to avoid the conflict by simply referring to it as the Gulf. This may work in informal usage, but in political, legal, or academic writing, the term is still of great significance.
Looking Ahead
As long as Middle Eastern political tensions and rivalries exist, this naming dispute is unlikely to disappear. Both sides regard the issue as one of national identity and historical rights. It is a small thing, but what a body of water is labeled says much more about the people, power, and pride of a very complicated region.
