Persian Culture The names Iran and Persia are often used interchangeably to mean the same country. Iran is the legal name. Persia, was an ancient kingdom within Iran. Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in Iran is used in political context, while both Iran and Persia are used in cultural context.history.com/links.php?cat=38&sub=377&cat_name=Ancient+Persia&subcat_name=Maps+%26+Geography Geographic Overview Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Caspian Sea, between Iraq and Pakistan Rugged and mountainous terrain have helped to shape both the political and the economic history of the country for several centuries. Cultural Eating PatternsPersian cuisine is ancient, varied and multiethnic. Eating habits and products from ancient Greece, Rome and many Asian and Mediterranean cultures have influenced, and are affected by Persian cuisine. Important part of Persian cooking are the many rice dishes, some containing almonds, pistachios, glazed carrots or orange peels, and raisins; others with vegetables and spices; occasionally with meat. Usually finished by the use of specially prepared saffron from Iran and cooked slowly after boiling to have a hard crust at the bottom (tah dig). Other recipes include stews, dumplings, kebabs, and stuffed vegetables accompanied by different sauces. Ancient Persian doctors considered food and beverages important factors to revive the mind and body. Excessive consumption of red meat and fats were thought to upset the body's balance. While a balanced combination of fruits, vegetables, poultry, herbs, seeds and mixed petals and blossoms of roses, was regarded as a diet capable of strengthening the body and mind.