Cyrus Cylinder Recognized as First Human Rights Charter Amid Modern Iran's Protests

The Cyrus Cylinder, commissioned by Persian king Cyrus the Great after conquering Babylon in 539 BC, is recognized as the world's first human rights charter, promoting religious freedom, racial equality, and the liberation of slaves. This legacy contrasts sharply with modern Iran, where recent protests have been met with severe government crackdowns and disputed casualty figures. The 1971 celebration of the Persian Empire's 2,500th anniversary under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi highlighted this contrast, as lavish festivities occurred amid widespread poverty and political repression.