From Kelardasht to Pasargadae on Foot – A Journey Left Unfinished!

On foot…

I have passed through the Seven Trials and come like the Simorgh (In Persian mythology, the “Seven Trials” symbolize enduring a long and arduous path filled with great challenges.)

And if I am slain along this path

I shall arrive at the court of Love with my head held high

(A poem recited by Shahram Goodarzi before setting out for Pasargadae)

Shahram Goodarzi, a distinguished artist and creator of the magnificent statue of Cyrus the Great, began his journey on August 26, 2025 (Shahrivargan) from Kelardasht on foot towards Pasargadae, intending to reach there on October 29, 2025 (Cyrus the Great Day). But according to him, at 10 p.m. on September 16, 2025, he was arrested by special agents of the Ministry of Intelligence and brought back to Kelardasht.

Goodarzi considers himself a soldier of Cyrus the Great and a soldier on the path of humanity, and during his walk some compatriots came out to welcome him.

In videos shared on social media, this artist spoke with fellow Iranians about the value of humanity in Iranian culture and emphasized the importance of national unity. He criticized racism and extreme ethnic nationalism as well as the policies of world superpowers.

Goodarzi voiced criticism of Donald Trump, President of the United States, and Xi Jinping, leader of the People’s Republic of China, calling some of their actions inhumane.

Alongside his emphasis on humanity, he also pointed to the achievements of Iranians from ancient times to today in the fields of art, sports, and peace.

The role of Iranians in world peace throughout history has always been important to Goodarzi. As a sculptor, he praised Iranian artists across the ages and highlighted the prominence of Iranian art.

He also acknowledged the accomplishments of modern Iranians—such as athletes like Hadi Choopan on the international stage—and noted that Iranians have twice received the Nobel Peace Prize, which he found significant.

Goodarzi’s remarks about Trump triggered reactions from some political groups, including certain monarchists, who harshly criticized him for praising a police officer serving on intercity roads and for mentioning Narges Mohammadi and Shirin Ebadi.

Meanwhile, some religious groups opposed Goodarzi as well, calling his act a counter-move against religious processions. They criticized a comment he quoted from one of his compatriots regarding religious stations (moukebs).

There were also criticisms of his behavior towards some people who temporarily accompanied him on his walk.

Nevertheless, the number of monarchists and religious individuals who supported Shahram Goodarzi was very large, and support on social media far outweighed criticism.

Previously, the statue of Cyrus the Great created by Goodarzi had drawn media attention. He had worked on it for years, facing hardships and even complaining about mistreatment by authorities.

The tomb of Cyrus the Great in Pasargadae is a highly cherished site for patriots, and October 29 (7th of Aban) commemorates Cyrus’s peaceful entry into Babylon.

According to Babylonian records, after entering Babylon, Cyrus the Great helped the poor, restored temples, and freed those who had been enslaved unjustly.

These humanitarian acts have made the humanistic aspects of Cyrus’s legacy especially prominent during commemorations.

The Shahrivargan itself has long been a remembrance of the righteous kings of Iran.

Thus, Shahram Goodarzi intended to walk the path from August 26, 2025 (Shahrivargan) until October 29, 2025 (Cyrus the Great Day) to reach the tomb of Cyrus the Great.

Cyrus the Great has been praised in the writings of many peoples of the world—Greeks, Jews, and Babylonians—and was regarded as a noble monarch of antiquity.