Archive- In 2016, on the anniversary of Cyrus the Great, thousands gathered at his tomb in Pasargad

On Monday, October 29th, people from across Iran flocked to Pasargad in Fars Province to honor Cyrus the Great, the ancient Persian king. The regime attempted to deter citizens from traveling to the capital of the ancient Persian empire, but many felt compelled to make the journey regardless.

Cyrus the Great commissioned the instruction of Pasargad in 559BC and once a year, on the 7^th of Aban (usually around October 29^th), the date Cyrus reportedly entered the ancient city of Babylon, thousands of Iranians gather at his tomb.

The regime fears a repeat of 2016

The regime often attempts to prevent Iranians from gathering on a historic day. They fear that such a concentration of people could spark a protest. Reports from the MEK network indicate that this year, numerous secret police agents have been deployed around Fars province and in nearby cities.

Not to be deterred, many Iranians are finding alternate routes to the burial site over nearby hilltops. The MEK reported that a number of people are bypassing the authorities by traveling on foot through the town of Surmeq and the surrounding mountain passes.

The regime fears a repeat of 2016 when thousands of Iranians descended on Pasargad and many in attendance began expressing their anger at the clerical regime. Chants of “clerical rule is synonymous with only tyranny and only war” could be heard among those gathered.

Closing Historical Sites

The MEK received reports from eyewitnesses on the ground that the regime is going to extreme lengths to prevent a repeat of the events of 2016.

The regime’s agents have closed the Persepolis historical site near the city of Shiraz, to prevent the public gathering and a protest taking shape.

Starting on Sunday afternoon, many of the roads around Pasargad were closed. There were reports of cars being turned away by regime agents as they approached the city.

Locals have received passes and anybody not traveling with a pass are finding their travel restricted in the region. There have even been reports of arrests taking place and vehicles being impounded.

In a more ominous sign, the regime also warned the local hospitals that the military would be “conducting drills” in the region and urged them to be prepared to receive people with injuries.

The news suggests that the regime is prepared to deploy excessive force to prevent the public from coming together for Cyrus Day celebrations. However, rather than cement the mullahs’ power, it only further mobilizes an already determined population and increases the public appetite for regime change.

Staff Writer