The Scientific and Cultural Event Dedicated to the 2550th Anniversary of the Cyrus the Great Declaration of Human Rights

October 14, 2025 at the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Russian Federation and in cooperation with the All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography named after S. A. Gerasimov (VGIK), a scientific and cultural event dedicated to the 2550th anniversary of the Cyrus the Great Declaration of Human Rights was held.

The event was attended by representatives of relevant Russian institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, academic and cultural circles, faculty and students, as well as representatives of the media and compatriots residing in Russia.

In the foyer of VGIK’s main building, an exhibition was organized featuring fresh fruits from Tajikistan, traditional handicrafts, books and publications from Tajikistan and Iran - including “Shahnameh” (Book of Kings) of Abu'l-Qâsem Ferdowsi and “Tajiks” of Bobojon Gafurov, and other works - as well as films from the golden collection of the “Tajikfilm” studio. The organizer of this exhibition was the Public Organization "Center of Tajik Culture.

In his address, the Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Russian Federation, Davlatsho Gulmahmadzoda, highlighted the significance of the first declaration of human rights in world history - the Cyrus the Great Declaration of Human Rights - emphasizing that this document, as a unique legal and historical source of the Persian-Tajik people, had a profound impact on the development of world civilization. He underscored that the fundamental principles of democracy, justice, human rights protection, and state governance enshrined in the Cyrus Declaration laid the foundation for the modern legal systems, including international law.

Speeches were also delivered by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Russian Federation Kasem Jalali, the Rector of VGIK Vladimir Malyshev and Lana M. Ravandi-Fadai, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

In the cultural segment of the program, students from Russian universities participated in readings of Shahnameh and recited poems dedicated to Cyrus the Great in Tajik and Russian. Well-known Tajik artists Nohid Zainalpour and Hasan Haidar, together with the dance group “Sonata”, also performed at the event.

Particular attention of the audience was drawn to the theatrical performance “Cyrus the Great”, prepared by VGIK students, including Tajik students, under the direction of the famous Russian Artist Farhod Mahmudov.

The event contributed to strengthening cultural ties and mutual understanding between nations, deepening interest in the history and spiritual heritage of the Tajik and Persian peoples, and commemorating the enduring legacy of Cyrus the Great in the history of humankind.

At the conclusion of the event, participants were presented with symbolic gifts - fresh fruits from Tajikistan and a collection of films from the golden archive of “Tajikfilm”.