Former Names Of Current Places Quiz

The history of place names is a fascinating reflection of how cultures, colonialism, and politics have shaped the world as we know it today. Many countries and cities have undergone name changes over the years, often to reflect a shift in governance, national identity, or cultural pride. These changes can also be symbolic, marking a move away from colonial influence or celebrating a nation’s independence. Understanding the former names of modern places gives insight into the historical context of these regions and the evolution of their identities.

One such change involves the city now known as Istanbul in Turkey. The city, historically important for centuries as a hub of culture, religion, and trade, was originally called Byzantium. Founded by Greek colonists around 657 BC, Byzantium became a critical city for the Byzantine Empire. The name change to Constantinople in AD 330 was made by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great when he established the city as the new capital of the Roman Empire. The name lasted for over a millennium until 1930, when the Turkish Republic officially adopted the name Istanbul as part of its efforts to modernize and nationalize the country following its independence.

Thailand, a country known for its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and rich history, was once called Siam. This name persisted for centuries, with the term “Siamese” even being used to describe the people of the region. In 1939, during the reign of King Rama VIII, the country officially changed its name to Thailand. This decision was made to promote a sense of unity and to reflect the nationalist sentiment of the era. The name “Thailand” translates to “Land of the Free,” a nod to the country’s unique position in Southeast Asia as the only nation to never have been colonized by a European power.

Similarly, Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon for a large portion of its history. The island’s colonial history began with the Portuguese in the 16th century, followed by Dutch and British rule. It was under British control that the island was officially named Ceylon, a name that persisted even after gaining independence in 1948. However, in 1972, the country officially changed its name to Sri Lanka to reflect its rich cultural heritage and to embrace a name that is indigenous to its people, derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “resplendent island.”

The name change of Zimbabwe is also tied to its colonial past. Formerly known as Rhodesia, the country was named after Cecil Rhodes, a British businessman and imperialist who played a significant role in the colonization of southern Africa. Following a long struggle for independence, the country officially became Zimbabwe in 1980, a name that honors the Great Zimbabwe ruins, an ancient city that was once the heart of a powerful civilization in the region. The name Zimbabwe, derived from the Shona language, translates to “house of stone,” a reference to the impressive stone structures still standing as a testament to the civilization’s legacy.

Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, also underwent a name change as part of a broader move toward African self-determination. Formerly known as Upper Volta, the country was renamed Burkina Faso in 1984 by its revolutionary leader, Thomas Sankara. The name Burkina Faso is derived from the country’s two main languages: “Burkina,” meaning “honest” in Mooré, and “Faso,” meaning “fatherland” in Dioula. This change symbolized the country’s desire to break free from its colonial history and to establish a new, more unified identity.

Similarly, Myanmar was once known as Burma, a name that was used during British colonial rule. The name change to Myanmar in 1989 was controversial, as many in the country’s ethnic minority groups rejected the new name, believing it to be a symbol of the dominance of the Bamar majority. Despite the controversy, the name Myanmar was officially recognized by the government in an effort to move away from the colonial past and to unify the various ethnic groups within the country under a single national identity. The name Myanmar is derived from the Burmese language and is considered by many to be a more inclusive term.

Ghana, one of the first African countries to gain independence from colonial rule, was known as the Gold Coast before it gained its freedom in 1957. The country’s new name, Ghana, was chosen to reflect the great medieval Ghana Empire, which had flourished in West Africa centuries earlier. The name change was not only a reflection of the country’s independence but also a way to connect modern Ghana to a proud African heritage that predated European colonization. The Gold Coast was a reference to the region’s wealth in gold, but the new name was intended to emphasize a broader sense of national pride and identity.

Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia, was known as Kampuchea under the French protectorate and during the reign of the Khmer Rouge. The country’s name change after the fall of the Khmer Rouge in 1979 reflected a desire to move away from the brutal regime that had left deep scars on the country. The name Cambodia is derived from the Sanskrit name “Kambuja,” which has historical significance in the region, further aligning the country with its rich cultural heritage.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, once a Belgian colony known as the Congo Free State and later the Belgian Congo, was renamed Zaire under the leadership of Mobutu Sese Seko in 1971. Mobutu, who took power in a coup, renamed the country as part of his efforts to assert a new African identity, free from colonial influence. The name Zaire was chosen because it was thought to be a more authentic name that reflected the country’s African roots. However, after Mobutu’s regime fell in the late 1990s, the country reverted to its former name, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in 1997.

The country now known as Iran was once known as Persia, a name that was used by the Western world to describe the region for centuries. The name “Persia” was derived from the ancient Persian Empire, which was a dominant force in the ancient world. However, in 1935, the country’s leadership under Reza Shah Pahlavi officially adopted the name Iran, which is derived from the word “Aryan” and reflects the country’s ancient history and its cultural and linguistic roots.

These changes in place names are often more than just linguistic shifts. They represent movements in national identity, a desire to shed colonial legacies, and a commitment to honoring indigenous cultures. In many cases, these name changes are a way for countries to reclaim their pasts, assert their independence, and take control of their futures. For historians, geographers, and travelers, knowing the former names of modern countries and cities provides important context and understanding of how the world has evolved over time. As we continue to engage with these places, recognizing their historical names helps us appreciate their complex and rich cultural narratives.