Crews in Atlanta have installed a massive 29-foot bronze statue of Cyrus the Great at Pardis Park. Standing as one of the largest Iranian monuments outside Iran, the bronze figure weighs approximately 8,000 pounds. It rests on a limestone base specifically designed to resemble the ancient ruler's tomb.
Cyrus founded the Persian Empire roughly 2,500 years ago and remains celebrated primarily for his governance and tolerance. He famously freed Jewish people held captive in Babylon, permitting them to return home and rebuild their temple. His famous artifact, the Cyrus Cylinder, is currently preserved in the British Museum and is widely regarded as one of history's earliest declarations of human rights.
The installation was driven by Rostam Zafari, co-founder of the nonprofit Nimruz. Zafari emphasized that placing the monument in Atlanta aligns with the city's legacy as the home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pardis Park already honors international figures dedicated to freedom and human rights, including Cuban poet José Martí and Hungarian freedom fighters. Cyrus's leadership also historically influenced American founders; Thomas Jefferson owned two copies of the ancient account Cyropaedia and urged his grandchildren to study it.
Created by Atlanta artist Stan Mullins, the sculpture required several years and the work of over 40 people. The project faced funding challenges and technical complications with an earlier version before the final bronze casting was completed. How will public monuments dedicated to ancient governance continue to shape modern conversations on human rights?
