Mehregan, a festival as highly valued as Nowruz, is an ancient Iranian celebration of love, kindness, and covenant. Rooted in human values, it has endured for millennia, adapting to new beliefs while keeping its essence. Praised by al-Biruni, it also highlights the great role of Mithra in ancient Iranian traditions.

Shahram Goodarzi (the sculptor of the statue of Cyrus the Great) set out on foot from Kelardasht toward Pasargadae so that he would arrive there on October 29 (Cyrus the Great Day). October 29 marks the peaceful entry of Cyrus the Great into Babylon. According to Babylonian writings, after entering Babylon, Cyrus carried out benevolent and humanitarian deeds.

In a recent recitation, many of the great figures of Persian poetry and literature (Ferdowsi, Hafez, Rumi, Nezami, and others) were claimed to be sacrificed in honor of the poet of the verse “From my soul I smell the scent of Karbala at every moment”! Sadly, for years such anti-Iranian and divisive remarks have been repeated in religious gatherings—gatherings often backed by official institutions.

Yalda, one of the most ancient Iranian festivals, celebrates the passing of the longest night of the year and the arrival of longer days, coinciding with the winter solstice. Rooted in both nature and mythology, it reflects Iranians’ deep bond with their environment and cultural wisdom. Despite dynastic changes, religious shifts, and foreign invasions, such festivals have endured, symbolizing resilience and the timeless link between people, nature, and myth.

One major reason Mossadegh, during his premiership, was unwilling to resolve disputes with Britain was that the British insisted the Oil Company should, in some form, continue its operations in Iran. In view of this, Mossadegh turned to a no-oil economy. He had said: “The moral aspect of nationalizing oil is more important than its economic aspect.”

Paradises and Chaharbaghs are among the greatest innovations of the Iranians, with roots in the Achaemenid era, and they had a profound influence on garden design in both the East and the West. It appears that the paradises of the Achaemenids and Cyrus the Great influenced humanity’s vision of paradise itself—so much so that in the myths of various nations, paradise is depicted in the likeness of Iranian paradises. Even in the face of devastating invasions by the armies of the Caliphs and Genghis Khan’s Mongols, Iranian paradises were not destroyed; rather, in the Timurid and Safavid periods they once again flourished.

The palace of Persepolis (Parseh) holds great artistic value, as it incorporates the styles of various peoples and cultures. It reflects the cultural policy of its time—an inclusive approach that encouraged all ethnic groups to view Persepolis as their own and to forge a sense of connection with it.

There are so many legends about Khosrow I (Anushirvan) that conducting serious historical research on him becomes difficult, and it is hard to reach a definitive conclusion about his historical character. In any case, it seems that these narratives and literary legacies were not solely inspired by one individual, but rather by an entire era—a distinguished period during which culture and civilization in the Sasanian Empire reached their peak.

Darius the Great was one of the kings of the Achaemenid dynasty who came to the throne in 522 BCE. He is considered one of the greatest monarchs in Persian history. To manage the vast Achaemenid Empire and collect taxes, Darius established a well-organized and efficient administrative system that was unprecedented at the time. The construction of major roads, a swift courier system, minting of a gold coin known as the Daric, and the building of grand palaces in Persepolis, Susa, and Ecbatana are among the remarkable achievements of this statesman king (See: Sami, 2013 [1392 AHS], vol. 2, p. 264)

The Book of Esther tells the story of a woman named Esther who risks her life to save the Jewish people from genocide, ultimately leading to the Jews slaughtering their enemies. This tale, however, lacks historical validity and sharply contradicts known historical sources. The Book of Esther is notably absent from the Dead Sea Scrolls. Additionally, distorted versions of the story are prevalent in Iran that diverge from Jewish sources and lack any credible foundation.