Iran (IMNA) - The ceremony, attended by Tehran Mayor, city officials, artists, and thousands of citizens, transformed the square into a lively scene of national celebration. Patriotic music filled the air as participants waved Iranian flags, expressing a deep sense of pride and solidarity. Among the attendees were well-known artists Parvaz Homay, Mostafa Ragheb, and Garsha Rezaei, whose presence added cultural vibrancy to the event.
The unveiled sculpture depicts the Roman Emperor Valerian kneeling before the ancient Persian king Shapur I — a powerful representation of Iran’s historical resilience and victory over foreign powers. The artwork is inspired by the famous Sasanian rock relief at Naqsh-e Rostam, located near Persepolis, which commemorates Shapur I’s triumph at the Battle of Edessa (260 CE), where the Roman army was decisively defeated and Emperor Valerian taken captive.
The relief at Naqsh-e Rostam, one of eight Sasanian carvings in the area, portrays the moment Valerian kneels before Shapur I, who is depicted mounted on a horse, wearing his royal crown and robes — a striking image of imperial authority and victory.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mehdi Mazhabi, Head of the Tehran Beautification Organization, described the statue as “an artistic expression of the Iranian nation’s history of resistance.” He emphasized that the Iranian people have consistently proven their resilience, standing firm against external pressure and “bringing intruding enemies to their knees.”
Mazhabi also referred to the cultural campaign “You Will Kneel Before Iran Again”, inspired by the message of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, highlighting Iran’s determination to remain steadfast and compel its adversaries to retreat.
According to Davoud Goodarzi, Tehran’s Deputy Mayor for Urban Services, the idea for the statue was conceived following the 12-day Israeli aggression against Iran earlier this year. He said the project took several months to complete and represents a new addition to Tehran’s cultural landmarks.
“Today, we are adding a new symbol to the city’s identity,” Goodarzi said. “This statue reminds the world that anyone who has sought to violate Iran or its people has ultimately been forced to kneel before Iran.”
The “Kneel Before Iran” statue will remain temporarily in Enqelab Square before being installed permanently at Azadi Square within the next 20 days, where it is expected to become a new centerpiece of Tehran’s urban landscape and a lasting tribute to the nation’s historical pride and endurance.
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