Reviewing and criticizing the opinions and arguments of Arab and Iranian historians about the name of the Persian Gulf

Based on historical and contemporary maps as well as historical and geographical Greek, Latin, Arabic and Persian texts, the name "Persia" has been used throughout history to refer to the  southern sea of Iran. In the early sixties of the 20th century, however, the name "Arab" was officially replaced by the name "Persia" by Arab politicians. After this event, Arab historians presented historical, geographical, linguistic and ethnic evidence and arguments to make the name appear authentic and documented. In contrast, Iranian historians have listed countless historical evidence for the use of the name “Persia” for this sea in Greek, Latin, Persian, European and especially Arabic sources. As for the use of historical references and propositions in these researches, in the present study, the researchers attempt to validate Iranian and Arab historians’ arguments and opinions by comparison with historical propositions while examining and classifying their opinions regarding the original and correct name of this sea. The findings of this research show that the purpose of Iranian and Arab researchers in referring to historical sources were not to identify and investigate the name(s) of this sea throughout history, but to prove the authenticity and originality of their own name and to show the inaccuracy of the other party's name; Therefore, if they see evidence and historical propositions that contradict their claims, they turn to distort, make excuses and ignore them, and their research has an ideological aspect.