Ashkan Dehghan

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.

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.

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.

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.

The status of the Kaviani Banner (Derafsh-e-Kāvīānī) in the legendary world of the Iranians is remarkably significant—even astonishing. In Shahnameh, the most important and revered banner of the Iranians is undoubtedly the Kaviani Banner, which may rightly be referred to as Iran’s national banner. Iranians were willing to sacrifice their lives for it, and even their enemies believed Iran’s strength resided in this very flag and sought to capture it.

Arash turned to the people and said: “Look at me now—I am whole and strong… but with this shot, I will be torn apart. I sacrifice myself for you.” The sky wept for Arash, ending the drought. Through the sacrifice of this great Iranian hero, blessings once again returned to the land.

Ancient Iranian artifacts reveal a deep-rooted culture of love, kindness, and affection dating back over 6,000 years. Numerous affectionate stories from the Sassanid era have been passed down through generations which has profoundly influenced Iranian literature and art.