[OSM-talk] Persian/Arabian Gulf Tagging

[Mostafa Ahangarha]

On 12/9/21 2:08 PM, Christoph Hormann wrote:
> If there is a verifiable local name and what that name is, is the
> subject to decide on.  This question requires familiarity with and
> local knowledge of the region.  People from Europe and North America
> who 'know' what the name is only from their TV news and newspapers are
> not qualified to answer that question.
> 

The point is that this gulf is much more that something to be claimed by 
its neighboring countries. Legally, countries have claim on certain 
depth of it as their territory and beyond that is international water. 
Who can name this international water? By referring to International 
name I don't necessarily mean people (who get these info not just from 
TV but also text book and other sources, indicting that this is the 
common name used there) but also in formal sphere.

There has been different reasons historically why a certain name is 
chosen for a given place. We cannot close our eyes and overnight come 
and change that name.

This Gulf historically was called Persian Gulf. We can even find its 
trace in some of formal documents in the region. And even today, this 
gulf is called Persian Gulf internationally. Sure we can find Arabian 
gulf as well but in terms of number and ratio I don't think one can make 
a reasonable comparison.

So if this water body, historically and internationally has a common 
name, who is there to change this name? How can we come and ask 
everybody to call it something else? How can I wipe history like this? 
This water body doesn't belong to any of its neighboring countries so 
that decision for its name should come from what the international 
society determine.

-- 
Regards,
Mostafa Ahangarha