In a powerful display of national pride and defiance, massive crowds gathered in central Tehran on Friday for the unveiling of a monumental statue that draws a direct line from an ancient Persian victory to Iran's modern-day confrontations with its adversaries.
A Symbol of Defiance in Enghelab Square
Thousands of Iranians packed Enghelab Square to witness the unveiling ceremony. The centerpiece was a striking monument depicting Sasanian king Shapur I triumphantly on horseback, towering over the kneeling figure of Roman emperor Valerian. This historical scene commemorates the Persian ruler's capture of the Roman emperor in the third century AD.
Adding a profound modern context, a multi-story depiction of an ancient Persian warrior and a contemporary Iranian soldier stood behind Shapur, both gripping the same spear. Their shields bore the bold inscription: "You will kneel before Iran again."
Historical Echoes and Modern Conflicts
The event carried significant weight following the recent 12-day military exchange with Israel. According to official figures, Israel's unprecedented June campaign killed over a thousand people in Iran, to which Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks that killed dozens in Israel.
Forty-year-old psychologist Fatemeh Roshanbakhsh, attending the event in a black chador, told AFP that such stories of aggressors facing defeat have repeated throughout history. She referenced Israel and its ally the United States, which also launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, as the modern "system of blasphemy and arrogance."
The new statue was modeled on an authentic stone engraving from southern Iran, carved around the time of the original victory. Moein, a 21-year-old student, expressed that he had studied this history in books and that gatherings like this positively affect national morale, adding, "Our nation has always been and will always be victorious."
Honoring Modern Martyrs and Mythical Heroes
Organizers complemented the Shapur sculpture with banners portraying slain Iranian military heroes. These included Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani, killed in a 2020 US strike in Baghdad, and Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Guards' Aerospace force, who died in the recent Israeli attacks.
Massive banners throughout the square showcased mythical Persian heroes from literature, like Rostam from the epic "Shahnameh," vanquishing their foes. Other displays reproduced moments of contemporary confrontation, such as the IRGC's 2016 seizure of a US Navy vessel over alleged territorial infringement.
Davood Goodarzi of the Tehran Municipality, which organized the event, stated the project was designed and implemented following the guidance of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The statue will be temporarily installed in Enghelab Square before being moved to a main entrance of Tehran, where it will be visible to foreign diplomats and tourists.
The ceremony follows a similar event in June, when Iran unveiled a 16-meter bronze statue of Arash the Archer in Vanak Square. To accompany Friday's unveiling, five Iranian pop singers held free public concerts, with attendee Sajad Pezeshkian saying he came for "the good vibes... and to listen to the songs."
