The image is of Cyrus the Great, an ancient ruler of Persia—modern-day Iran.
This year, 18 Tir in Iran
(9 July in the Gregorian calendar) is said to be planned to be a day for major protest.
From Tehran Bureau : “As the atmosphere in Iran continues to thicken, with the number of arrests rising daily, and several hangings (reportedly on the charge of having been involved in protests), everyone is looking towards the anniversary of the 1999 student uprising at Tehran University on 18th Tir (9 July). Exactly ten years ago, the students of Tehran University began to protest against the regime’s policy on social freedoms. In reply, scores of Basij militia raided the university halls of residence with the sole aim of extinguishing the protest, beating students, throwing tear gas, throwing people from the third floor windows shouting ‘Ya Zahra’, and causing several deaths including Ezzat Ebrahim Nezhad who, much like Neda, became a symbol of injustice.”
Video Update:
Here’s another video… Notice the prominence of women…
Also on July 9th, the Bahá’ís of non-Middle Eastern countries will hold memorials for the Martyrdom of the Báb—a profound Holy Day. For members of the Bahá’í Faith in Iran (the country’s largest religious minority), who are being viciously persecuted, the Martyrdom of the Báb is observed this year on August 20th, due to Lunar Calendar reckoning. The Iranian Bahá’ís will most likely hold their memorial services in secret…
From Planet Bahá’í : “The Martyrdom of the Báb took place on July 9, 1850 at noon. An event with no parallel in history save the crucifixion of Jesus, it is commemorated as a solemn Holy Day by Bahá’ís around the world.”
I would love to be able to walk the streets of Iran on that day, when citizens march for their rights, Iranian Bahá’ís pray for their fellow citizens’ safety, and Bahá’ís in other countries pray for all Iranians…
Spiritual Quote:
“Thus, after the martyrdom of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh appeared. The government arose against Him. The priesthood in Persia opposed Him, subjecting Him to severe persecution. His possessions were confiscated, His relatives and friends were killed, and He was placed in a dungeon. For a long period He was imprisoned, chained and subjected to severest suffering. Afterward, He was exiled to Iraq, or Mesopotamia, from thence to Constantinople, then transferred to Adrianople and finally to ‘Akká in Syria. He spent twenty-four years in the prison of ‘Akká, where He underwent the severest ordeals and privations without a day or night of relaxation and repose. Notwithstanding this imprisonment and suffering, He manifested utmost spiritual power and majesty. Although imprisoned, He withstood two tyrant kings and eventually overcame both.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 371
Let’s have a conversation !
Make It Easy !
Subscribe Free
in a reader or your email
Our Evolution 
Dream what you want to dream,go where you want to go,be what you want to be,because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.When the only tool you have is a hammer,every problem begins to resemble a nail.!
Thank you, Catherine.
Excellent essay. However, the Baha’is of Iran observe the anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Bab according to a lunar calendar and as such will not be observing it on July 9th. But the rest of the Baha’is throughout the world, will be holding prayer sessions in memory of the execution of the Bab and tens of thousands of such gatherings will take place throughout ever town in the planet.
Thank you so much for the correction. I want to incorporate it into an update of the post. What Gregorian day does the Martyrdom of the Bab fall on this year?