The Cyrus Cylinder, often considered as the world’s first charter of human rights, is one of the most iconic symbols from ancient Persia. It was created in 539 BCE to commemorate the conquest of Babylon by Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. Inscribed in Akkadian cuneiform, the cylinder outlines Cyrus’ policies toward the peoples of his new empire, highlighting religious tolerance, freedom, and justice. But its journey through history — from the ancient heart of Persia to the British Museum in London and, potentially, back to Iran — tells a deeper story about identity, ownership, and cultural heritage.
The Cyrus Cylinder remained largely forgotten for centuries, buried beneath the sands of time. It was only rediscovered in 1879 by British archaeologist Hormuzd Rassam in the ruins of ancient Babylon, modern-day Iraq. The cylinder’s discovery occurred during the height of British imperial expansion, and the artifact was swiftly collected and taken to London, where it was eventually housed in the British Museum – and where it remains today. While the cylinder was hailed as a remarkable find, its true significance would not become widely recognized until the 20th century, as the cylinder’s message of tolerance, freedom, and respect for cultural diversity began to resonate more strongly with contemporary global values. Today, the Cyrus Cylinder is not only one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 19th century but also an enduring symbol of ancient Persian wisdom and freedom.
For many, the origins of democracy and human rights are often linked to ancient Greece, with figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle celebrated as the pioneers of democratic thought. This narrative, however, is deeply shaped by Western historical biases that tend to overlook or downplay the contributions of other civilisations, particularly Iran. Despite the fact that the Cyrus Cylinder is often regarded as the world’s first declaration of human rights, its significance has been overshadowed by a Eurocentric perspective that associates these ideals almost exclusively with ancient Greece. Racism and historical prejudices have long perpetuated the idea that non-Western societies, particularly those in the East, were less capable of the philosophical and political innovations that shaped modern democracy. As a result, the role of Persia, and especially Cyrus the Great, in promoting justice, religious tolerance, and human dignity remains largely underappreciated in global discussions about the roots of democracy. This disregard for Iran’s ancient legacy not only distorts history but also erases a crucial chapter in the evolution of human rights.
For Iranians, the Cyrus Cylinder is more than just an artifact; it is a profound part of our national identity. It speaks to an era when the Persian Empire was known for its sophisticated organisation, cultural inclusivity, and respect for different peoples. The inscription on the cylinder, which includes a proclamation about Cyrus’s humane treatment of the Babylonians and his policies toward the Jews, is seen as a direct expression of the values of the Persian Empire — values that are still deeply relevant today. But despite its significance to Iranian people, both in Iran and abroad, the cylinder remains 5300 kilometres away from it's homeland. For many Iranians, the artifact’s removal during the colonial era feels like another example of cultural appropriation, a tangible reminder of a time when Iran’s treasures were taken to Europe under the guise of scholarly interest or imperial conquest and have solemnly remained abroad. This has led to an ongoing debate over the repatriation of cultural artefacts, with the Cyrus Cylinder serving as one of the most high-profile cases.
In 2010, as the Iranian government ramped up its calls for the return of the cylinder, the British Museum responded by stating that the artifact was being preserved and displayed for global public education, and that it would not be returned. To this day, the British Museum’s stance remains unchanged, despite growing international conversations about the restitution of cultural heritage to its countries of origin.
The Cyrus Cylinder’s journey from ancient Persia to London and back — or the lack thereof — also carries political weight. In modern Iran, the Cyrus Cylinder has become a symbol not just of national pride, but also of a broader cultural and political message. During the reign of the Pahlavi dynasty in the 20th century, the cylinder was revived as a symbol of Iran’s ancient greatness, with the Iranian monarchy associating itself with the noble ideals of Cyrus the Great. In recent years, it has also been adopted by those in the diaspora and by cultural groups who wish to highlight Iran’s rich pre-Islamic heritage in contrast to the complexities of modern politics. The ongoing dispute over the artifact's return underscores the ongoing struggle between modern political identities and the preservation of ancient cultural symbols. For many Iranians, the question of repatriation is not just about reclaiming an object but about asserting a historical narrative that has been shaped by both triumph and loss.
The future of the Cyrus Cylinder remains uncertain. While there is no clear indication that the British Museum will return the artifact anytime soon, the conversation around repatriation has gained momentum in recent years. With increasing global awareness around the issue of cultural restitution, particularly for nations whose heritage was taken during colonial times, the case of the Cyrus Cylinder represents an opportunity to rethink the way museums and institutions around the world engage with cultural heritage.
For Iranians, the return of the cylinder would be a powerful act of recognition — not just for an object, but for a culture and civilisation that laid the groundwork for many of the values we hold dear today. It would be a symbol of the enduring legacy of the Persian Empire and an affirmation of Iran’s place in the global cultural narrative.
As an Iranian, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride whenever I think of the Cyrus Cylinder. It is a direct link to a time long past, but it speaks to values that are still very much relevant today. For Iranians, recognising the Cyrus Cylinder as the world’s first declaration of human rights is not just an academic point — it’s a matter of cultural pride and historical truth. The persistent erasure of Iran’s contributions to democracy and human rights reflects deeper patterns of cultural marginalisation and racism, which continue to shape global perceptions. Acknowledging Cyrus the Great’s vision of governance — one that prioritised justice, tolerance, and respect for diversity — offers a more inclusive and accurate understanding of the origins of democracy. It also challenges the simplistic, Eurocentric narratives that have long excluded the rich legacies of the East. By reclaiming this history, we not only honor the wisdom of ancient Persia but also broaden the conversation about human rights and democracy, ensuring that all civilisations receive their rightful recognition in the shaping of our modern world.
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