Senior official hails Cyrus the Great’s tolerance in governance
Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Iran’s Iranology Foundation, described Cyrus the Great as a symbol of wise governance, tolerance and respect for human dignity in a message marking the ancient Persian king’s day.
Cyrus the Great (born c. 590– died c. 529 BCE) was a conqueror who founded the Achaemenid Empire, centered on Persia.
“Cyrus the Great is an enduring name in Iran’s history and a reminder of wisdom in governance, tolerance and respect for human dignity,” Salehi wrote in a post on X on Thursday.
He said honoring Iran’s historical figures and legendary personalities was part of the foundation’s mission. Protecting their legacy and passing it on to future generations, he added, was a central priority.
“At the Iranology Foundation, we consider honoring Iran’s prominent figures and legends part of our mission, and protecting their invaluable heritage and passing it on to future generations as a guiding principle of our work,” he wrote.
Salehi’s message emphasized the role of historical figures in Iran’s cultural memory and their contribution to the country’s national identity. He said a deeper understanding of their legacy could help strengthen the connection between present and future generations and Iran’s past.
In his message, Salehi highlighted the values associated with the ancient ruler, including tolerance, wise leadership and human dignity.
Cyrus the Great is remembered in the Cyrus legend—first recorded by Xenophon, Greek soldier and author, in his Cyropaedia—as a tolerant and ideal monarch who was called the father of his people by the ancient Persians.
The Iranology Foundation’s work includes honoring prominent figures and preserving Iran’s historical and cultural heritage, Salehi said.