Iran bans The Economist over map
Iran has banned The Economist magazine for describing the Persian Gulf as merely “the Gulf” in a map published in the latest edition, state television reported late Wednesday.
It is the second time in two years that Iran has prohibited a publication of international repute for failing to use the term “Persian Gulf” in its maps. In November 2004, it banned the National Geographic atlas when a new edition appeared with the term “Arabian Gulf” in parenthesis beside the more commonly used Persian Gulf.
Tehran believes in aggressively defending the historical term “Persian Gulf” against “Arabian Gulf,” which it regards as a name dreamed up by Arab nationalists. While Iran dominates the eastern side of the waterway, the western shores are held by Arab countries.
Source: The Associated Press via The Jerusalem Post
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The magazine seems to stand its ground maybe because they only sell about 700 copies a week but National Geographic got away with it only after they printed a small note in the middle of the Persian gulf saying “this body of water is referred to by some as the Arabian Gulf.”
Comment by Amy — August 8, 2006 @ 12:27 am
The name is important, it defines the object. In this case it has historical and religious meanings, so I agree with the Persians defending their identity and cultural heritage.
Comment by Mike — September 1, 2006 @ 3:41 pm
BIG DEAL - they also banned Mad Magazine, Playboy, Playgirl, Rolling Stone etc etc.
Those Iranians just don’t appreciate good literature!!
Comment by Howard — September 1, 2006 @ 4:18 pm
With so many problems worldwide, Iran is concerned about this? There’s a war going on nextdoor and this is what they’re focusing on?
Comment by Mellissa — September 5, 2006 @ 6:17 pm