On May 17 Beijing time, Iranian President Pezeshkian posted a photo of an ancient cypress tree on social media.
The accompanying text read: "The oldest living organism still existing in Asia—the ancient Sarv-e Abarkuh cypress, with a history of at least 4,500 years—has taken root on land that was already known as Iran at the time."
The ancient cypress photo shared by Iranian President Pezeshkian is a carefully crafted and deeply symbolic message aimed at the current tense situation, especially regarding U.S.-Iran relations. By anchoring itself in the long river of history, it powerfully responds to external pressures, seeks to unify domestic consensus, and declares to the international community the resilience of Iranian civilization.
The tree chosen by Pezeshkian carries profound significance—it stands as a vivid testament to Iran's deep historical depth.
This cypress tree, located in Abarkuh, Yazd Province of Iran (also known as "Sarv-e Abarkuh"), is estimated to be between 4,000 and 4,500 years old. It is not only the oldest living organism in Asia but also shares a history nearly as ancient as the Egyptian pyramids.
In Persian culture, the cypress symbolizes eternity, resilience, and integrity. It is a core element of traditional Persian gardens, carrying deep national sentiment and religious significance within Zoroastrianism.
It has been officially designated by Iran as a National Natural Heritage site, strictly protected by law, and regarded as a shared cultural heritage for the entire nation.
Pezeshkian has repeatedly expressed similar views before, implying that Iran, like this ancient tree, has roots deeply intertwined with its land and civilization—no external force can destroy it or "uproot" it, and any such attempt is destined to fail.
Just around the time this post was published, Iran’s Parliament Speaker declared that Iran’s resistance is driving a "new world order," while Trump himself released a photo accompanied by the caption "calm before the storm." This has sparked a silent yet intense public discourse. Pezeshkian’s response, though restrained, is firm and profoundly wise.
Pezeshkian’s photograph is, in the context of today’s heightened tensions, a quiet yet powerful declaration of "resilience." Rooted in ancient history, it nonetheless targets the realities of the present moment.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865395381150720/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.