In 2005, the International Committee for the Rescue of Pasargadae was formed to prevent the flooding of the Sivand Dam and to save the Tomb of Cyrus the Great from the dangers of humidity (as caused by bodies of water in the area) and destruction. Additionally the Committee also called on everyone to announce October 29th, which coincides with the day of the issuance of Cyrus’ charter, to be called the “Day of Cyrus the Great.” This was proposed to bring public attention to the importance of Cyrus’ great actions and meaningful work. Fortunately, this announcement was quickly welcomed by the media and people inside and outside Iran.
In 2007 the Pasargad Heritage Foundation (PHF) became the first international non-governmental organization (NGO) for the Preservation of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, officially established in the United States. As a result of the efforts of the PHF, and with the support and efforts of culture-loving people around the world and the timely intervention of UNESCO, the Iranian government at the time (the Ahmadinejad government) was forced to lower the water level of the Sivand Dam.
In fact, the naming of the day of Cyrus the Great, in addition to preventing the danger that threatened the great Persian historical site Pasargadae, made more people aware of Cyrus’ initial efforts for the survival of human civilization.
The significance of naming Cyrus the Great’s day is also due to the fact that this major undertaking was achieved with no assistance from any governmental or religious entity and only by a non-governmental cultural organization bringing together important cultural and social figures, including the Iranian and international media, and thousands of Iranian and international women and men to support the cause.
Therefore, on the day of Cyrus the Great, many people both in Iran and internationally commemorate the 7th of Aban (the 29th of October), and celebrate the life of a man who twenty five centuries ago announced the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As stated in his charter: “He entered Babylon peacefully, his many soldiers were friendly in Babylon, and he did not allow anyone to be intimidated in all the lands of Sumer and Akkad.” He rescued the oppressed people from helplessness, returned the displaced to their homes, rescued slaves from slavery, and commanded that everyone be free to choose their religion and place of residence.
Pasargad Heritage Foundation
