A towering figure of tolerance from 2,500 years ago just found a home in Atlanta

A 29-foot bronze king now stands in Atlanta — and he is there for what he refused to do to the people he conquered. Crews this week installed a statue of Cyrus the Great, who founded the Persian Empire about 2,500 years ago and is remembered for a policy of religious freedom and respect for every people under his rule; an ancient clay cylinder linked to him is often called one of the earliest declarations of human rights. The bronze figure weighs about 8,000 pounds and stands on a limestone base shaped like his tomb in Pardis Park, a park that already honours human-rights champions from around the world. The project was led by Rostam Zafari, co-founder of the nonprofit Nimruz, who wanted Cyrus in the home city of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Atlanta artist Stan Mullins sculpted the statue, a years-long effort involving more than 40 people. It will be formally dedicated this Saturday at a free, family-friendly festival celebrating Persian culture.

SDG 16 · Peace, justice and strong institutions — Mechanism: community action