The address of Cyrus the Great to us and to the Middle East.
We are standing on the threshold of Cyrus the Great Day, the anniversary of the declaration of his eternal charter, addressed to us 2500 years ago. The charter was written during dark days, for which he wanted to bring light and his magnificent decree. Today once again, these words speak to us as we witness imprisonment, torture, and the endless killing of freedom seekers in our land and hostile and tragic events in the Middle East. Those words once again have a resounding meaning and remind us how the first charter of human rights was born.
Ten years ago, while Cyrus the Great’s Cylinder was shown in the United States for several months, Neil MacGregor, a famous historian and former Director of the British Museum, gave an interesting speech, calling Cyrus’ charter one of the greatest declarations of human ideals in history. In his remarks, Mr. MacGregor came to the intelligent conclusion that the charter can once again play an effective role, especially for the Middle East where religions have divided, because Cyrus’ charter is still the strongest and most effective voices in the core of all discussions to bring people from different religions together.
In the past few decades, the events that have happened to our homeland Iran as well as to other countries in the Middle East show that this view of Cyrus’ charter is just as important today. Therefore, the question arises whether now more than ever before is the time to honor the great Cyrus and his manifesto, and to distance ourselves from the leaders and people who have made religion a weapon for suppression, destruction, and war.
We at the Pasargad Heritage Foundation call on all Iranians around the world to celebrate Cyrus the Great Day and to salute the name and memory of a great man. As his peacemakers entered Babylon, many of his soldiers marched for friendship in Babylon, and he did not let anyone be intimidated in all the lands of Sumer and Akkad. He rescued the oppressed people from their helplessness, returned the displaced people to their homes, saved the slaves from poverty, and commanded that everyone should be free to choose their religion and place of residence.
Blessed is the day of Cyrus the Great (October 29th / 7th of Aban).
Sincerely,
Shokooh Mirzadegi
Pasargad Heritage Foundation
