Persian script, the Solar Hijri calendar and names
Persian is written right to left in an extended Arabic script that includes letters not used in Arabic, such as پ, چ, ژ and گ. Dates in Iranian documents are usually in the Solar Hijri calendar, with month names that differ from the Gregorian calendar. The date is rendered in the source calendar, and the Gregorian equivalent is added if the institution asks.
Names can be transliterated in different ways: Mohammad, Mohammed or Muhammed. Procedures in Türkiye go by the spelling in the passport or residence permit. Using one spelling across all of a person’s documents prevents applications being rejected because identities do not match.
Documents from Iran and Afghanistan
Iranian and Afghan citizens living in Türkiye have identity cards, birth certificates (shenasnameh), marriage certificates and diplomas translated for residence permits, marriage, registering a child or enrolling them in school, and diploma recognition. Dari, used in Afghanistan, is a variety of Persian and its documents are translated in the same way.
If the source document needs certification in its own country (apostille or consular legalisation), that step comes before the translation. Documents from countries that are not parties to the Apostille Convention may require consular legalisation; confirm the applicable route with the receiving institution.
Persian translation: documents and uses
| Document | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Shenasnameh (birth certificate booklet), national ID card | Residence permit, civil registry procedures |
| Marriage certificate | Family residence, registering the marriage in Türkiye |
| Diploma and transcript | YÖK recognition, university enrolment |
| Turkish diploma and transcript (Turkish into Persian) | Study or job applications in Iran |
| Commercial contract, power of attorney | Business with Iranian partners or buyers |
Frequently asked questions
Will a Turkish institution accept my document with Solar Hijri dates?
The date is translated in the Solar Hijri calendar, with the Gregorian equivalent added on request. Acceptance is up to the receiving institution.
Do you translate Dari documents too?
Yes. Dari is a variety of Persian, and we can translate documents issued in Afghanistan into Turkish.
Do all pages of the shenasnameh need translating?
Unless the institution says otherwise, every page with writing or seals is translated. You do not need to send blank pages.
This guide is for general information. Confirm the document and certification requirements for your application with the relevant institution, and include the current list of requirements in your translation request.