International Conference Dedicated to the Presentation of the “Cyrus Cylinder”

On May 20, 2026, at the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Russian Federation, in cooperation with the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, an international conference dedicated to the presentation of the “Cyrus Cylinder” was held. The event brought together and featured speeches by a wide range of scholars, researchers, writers, and experts from Russia, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Moscow, as well as compatriots and students.

In his remarks, Aslamzoda Murodbek, Counsellor of the Embassy noted that the adoption of a special UNESCO resolution, constitutes recognition that the “Cyrus Cylinder” became the first historical and legal source that influenced the development of other civilizations in matters concerning human rights and freedoms.

The conference also featured presentations by Vice President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Professor Salomiyon Muhammaddovud (online), Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alikber Alikberov, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for UNESCO Zulfiya Burhon (online), Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Russian Federation Masoud Ahmadvand, and other researchers.

The speakers exchanged views on various topics, including the personality of Cyrus the Great as the founder of the first world empire, the role of his Cylinder for civilizations, the development of cultural rights and freedom of conscience, as well as the historical and humanitarian significance of this document in our time.

It should be recalled that on November 6, 2025, during the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, a resolution entitled “Cyrus Cylinder: An Early Charter of Human Rights and Cultural Diversity” was adopted.

The document highlights the historical and spiritual significance of the “Cyrus Cylinder” as one of the earliest humanistic texts promoting the values of freedom of conscience, respect for cultural diversity, and peaceful coexistence.

This initiative was put forward in accordance with the instruction of the Leader of the Nation, H.E. Emomali Rahmon, as outlined in the Address of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Majlisi Oli “On the Major Directions of the Domestic and Foreign Policy of the Republic of Tajikistan”.

This resolution was proposed at the initiative of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran and supported by the member states of the organization.