Arya (Iran)

The term "Arya" (Ārya, sometimes also spelled "Ari" or "Aryan") is a historical ethno-linguistic term that was used by the Indo-Iranian peoples to self-designate. In the context of ancient Iran, "Arya" (Old Persian: Ariya- ; Avestan: Airya-) served as a self-designation for the people who spoke Indo-Iranian languages and inhabited the Iranian plateau and surrounding areas.

The word "Arya" appears in ancient Iranian texts, notably the Avesta (the sacred texts of Zoroastrianism) and the Old Persian inscriptions of the Achaemenid emperors. In these contexts, it signifies a shared ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage. It denoted a sense of belonging and a perceived common ancestry among the peoples inhabiting the region.

The term "Iran" itself is derived from "Aryanam," meaning "land of the Aryans" in Middle Persian. This etymological link underscores the importance of the concept of "Arya" in shaping the historical and cultural identity of the region.

While "Arya" originally referred to a specific group of people sharing a language and culture, its usage has evolved over time and has been subject to misuse and misinterpretation, particularly in the context of 20th-century racial ideologies. However, in the context of Iranian history and culture, "Arya" primarily refers to the ancient Indo-Iranian peoples and their cultural legacy. It is an essential term for understanding the historical roots of Iranian identity and its connection to other Indo-Iranian cultures.