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Intl. J. Humanities (2017) Vol. 24 (3) (30-48)

Cyrus the Great Parallelism with Zolqarnein (Interpretation of Verses 82 - 97 of Surah al-Kahf in Holy Quran)

Imaan Khosravi, Reza MehrAfarin

Received: 2017/9/27 Accepted: 2018/6/3

Abstract of Medina once asked Prophet Muhammad about a man named Zolqarnein. Verses 82 to 97 of Surah al-Kahf, the 18th chapter of the holy Qur’an, give description about this king who believed in and the Day of Judgment. According to these Verses, God provided opportunities for Zolqarnein to be victorious over his enemies and bring justice to the territory under his jurisdiction. These Verses do not mention the place, time, or his name, and Zolqarnein that is his title has been referred as Qarnayeem in Jewish Pentateuch.These uncertain issues have caused many commentators of the Qur'an and Islamic scholars to introduce different individuals as Zolqarnein. Among these, , the Achaemenid king and Alexander, the Macedonian king, could be seen more than others. This study aims to determine the character of Zolqarnein, by taking the historical approach. For that matter, religious and historical documents such as the Quran, Torah, Cyrus Charter, and writings of classical Greek historians were studied and corroborated with archaeological evidences. Based on the results of preceding studies, Zolqarnein is found to be Achaemenid king, .

Keywords: Zolqarnein, Quran, Torah, Cyrus the Great .

______1. MA in Archaeology, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of , Mazandaran, . 2. Associate Professor of Archaeology, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Mazandaran, Mazandaran, Iran, [email protected](Corresponding Author).

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Introduction chapter eight, verse 3 of Daniel's dream. “So According to Islamic sources, a number of I lifted up my eyes behold a ram which had Jews approached Prophet Muhammad to two long horns was at the sight of the river” challenge and inquire him about the nature (Daniel, 2012: 901). In the Hebrew text, the of Zolqarnein. They did this with the hope word Qarnayym (Qarnaim) is used for this that the prophet would not be able to person, which means two horns. In the respond and give them an excuse for what Hayem Hebrew dictionary, this term means they called his false prophecy. Jews who horn, power, pride and arrogance as well as knew Zolqarnein very well through their the radius and beam (Bahrami, 2011: 233-4). religious books, turned silent after getting a Indeed, why the Jews asked this question plausible response, and this means that they to the Prophet? Had they just heard the accepted the explanation of Prophet name of the Zolqarnein and had no Muhammad. Verses 82 to 97 of Chapter al- knowledge of him? Did they sincerely Kahf of the Qur’an, reflect the response of wanted the Prophet to let them know about the Prophet of to the Jews. this person? Or that Zolqarnein was Not stating the time, place and ethnicity of completely familiar and well known in their Zolqarnein as well as his name caused the history and culture and hence their question Islamic writers and commentators of the was a way to assay the Prophet. If we accept Quran to identify him differently. As a the latter case, then the term Zolqarnein, result, dozens are mentioned as Zolqarnein. should be interpreted and explained Since the verification of the behavior and according to historical and religious texts of actions of all these people, mostly from the Jews. Arab sheikhs and princes are not consistent Among all those Zolqarnein candidates, with the image and actions of Zolqarnein, the name of Alexander, the Macedonian and on the other hand, makes the text too king and Cyrus the Great catch the eyes long; we are not going through their traits more than others. Therefore, we try to verify and behaviors here. Some of the kings of the attitude and actions of these two, after Yemen, such as Musab ibn Abdullah, Saab reading Verses 82 to 97 of Surah al-Kahf. ibn Dhi Almrayd, Tab Alaqrn, Asad al- Three of the Zolqarnein’s battleships is Kamil, Shamar Yar-ash, as well as mentioned in these Verses. On the first war Fereydoon, son of Abtin and a Chinese king trip, he travels to west and fights with the are in this collection. heathen ethnic near a sea with opaque water (Black Sea) and walks over them. Then for Appellation of Zolqarnein the second war, embarks on a journey to the Prior to this, we need to explore the east and fights against people who did not appellation of the word "Zolqarnein”, that in have housing and harbors and on his third fact, was the title of a just king. Since Jews trip, he reaches to the mountainous region raised the name of the person, it is logical whose inhabitants have a difficult language that the Arabic word, Zolqarnein should and also are under attack of aggressive and have a Hebrew equivalent as well. The word wild people called Gog and Magog. They “gharn” [corn] is mentioned several times in asked Zolqarnein to prevent the invasion of the Torah and almost everywhere means Gog and Magog by building a strong barrier “horn”. One of them is the visit of Daniel, on their arrival path. Zolqarnein of wealth

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and power (military force and sufficient Artemis]. He was temperamental and equipment) fulfilled their practical demands. became furious easily. He had 360 spouse If we have a clear look at Alexander’s war after his conquests in Asia. After each trips, we will realize that his first great conquest, he banquets. He was into drinking expedition was from the west (Greece) to the and drunkenness and were so focused and east (Asia Minor and the Levant), immersed in pleasure objects who died respectively. Then he went to the south according to the same practices and () and seized the land. Then moved intemperance (Ibid: 1006). from Egypt and then re-crossing the eastern Pre-Islamic Iranians used the term edge of the Mediterranean and the Levant, Alexander Gojastak (cursed and evil) moved toward , the Achaemenid capital because of his violent, destructive and anti- and after defeating III seized religious behavior. "Ancient Persian texts Achaemenid centers one after another and and religious traditions such as the book of finally, accessed the Indus (the easternmost divine wisdom, the records of Ardeshir point). He never fought with off-road and Papkan, Tansar letter, cities of Iran non-sedentary people (Scythian) and did pamphlet, Dinkard and not build a barrier in the Northern introduced Alexander as an evil person, Highlands to prevent the entry of Gog and harlot, destroyer, the-enemy of Iranshahr Magog (Scythian). Thus, Alexander’s war and predatory who burned the Holy Book in efforts didn’t have any consistency with the pool chamber and overthrew the dynasty Zolqarnein military expedition. of Kayanids "(Erfanmanesh, 2010: 98-99). In Surah al-Kahf, Zolqarnein is introduced Not matching war trips, ideology and as a Unitarian man, a believer in God and character of Alexander with Zolqarnein, the resurrection. A righteous, kind, and we’ll now study the second character. generous king who not only were not Cyrus in 546 B.C. headed the west to interested to occupy a bit of wealth over the confront with the sudden influx of Lydian conquered lands; but also provides the army that was trying to conquer conquered with financial assistance. But and eventually managed to capture . Alexander believed in multiple masters and was captured by Cyrus and he multiple Greek , he did not believe in refused to burn him. He ordered to open his the only and one God. During his provisions, sat next to him and regarded expeditions to Asian countries did not show him with great respect and admiration, any mercy and killed all opponents and treated him like courtiers and told his those who stood in front of him. In addition, guards to prevent the soldiers from looting the wealth of these regions were captured the city (, 1983: 71). and sent to Greece. Even after the capture of The first campaign of Cyrus overlaps with Susa, its treasures including lots of and the first war drive of Zolqarnein to the West. was sent to Greece on several Chapter al-Kahf states that "Zolqarnein thousand horses. Pirnia (2005, Vol. 2: 1002), came to the West, the place that the sun is quoting Plutarch states that Alexander was hidden in a dark water fountain"(Qur'an, very greedy and aspiring. He had strong Surah al-Kahf: Verse 84). was a rich religious belief and made great sacrifices for country, located on the west side of Greek goddess [possibly Athena or Achaemenid state and the Black Sea was on

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the North and North West of it. Since the Verses 88 to 90 of Surah al-Kahf talks sediments of the sea is black and opaque, about the second Zolqarnein chase. "(88) water appears dark. That’s why it has been Again pursued with the same equipment nicknamed as the Black Sea. According to (89) until he reached to the East land. He this verse, Zolqarnein faces a group of found people in there that we did not put unbelievers in this area. According to between them and the sun even a shelter Herodotus, they worshiped Croesus the (90) It was as described and of course we Greek gods, especially . He sent were fully aware of the circumstances" numerous presents to temples for the favor (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf, Verses 89-90). of the gods especially temple of in Cyrus, after returning from the Anatolian order to won the war against Cyrus. Among peninsula and the brilliant victories over the the offerings were three thousand sacrifices Lydia and the Greek world of the East of all kind of animals, one hundred and Mediterranean as well as strengthen the seventeen gold columns and a golden lion financial power, decided to consolidate the (Herodotus, 1983: 56). In this verse, God unrest that the eastern borders of its empowered Zolqarnein to deal with these territory was facing with and also put the people and their king as he desired (for ethnic rebels on their place. Cyrus arrived violence and retribution or mercy). near the Oxus River on his battleship and "Zolqarnein then said that anyone who have the areas of the Oxus to Gandhara, located wronged, will be punished. But the main in the valley of the River was under punishment of unjust will be by God in the his command. Then crossed the Oxus and hereafter and if one believes, will have the captured the Sughd province that its capital best of rewards and we won’t be hard on was Markandeh (Samarkand) and brought him." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Kahf, Verses 86- the massaget people (massaget), near the 87). river Oxus, who used to attack the As mentioned in the history of Herodotus, northeastern borders, under his command Cyrus not only didn’t punish Croesus, but (Bayani, 2002: 100). appointed him as his adviser for the rest of The third movement of Zolqarnein, like his life and gave Sardis to his people. his second movement is consistent with the Zolqarnein in this verse says, “But whoever actions of Cyrus the Great. As previously believes in God and be righteous, will mentioned, Scythian tribes were distributed receive the best rewards”. This verse can be from the eastern regions of the Aral Sea compared to this part of the statement of (Chinese Turkestan) to the Danube River in Herodotus about Croesus. “Cyrus asked Europe. These tribes used to interfere Iran Croesus: Who encouraged you to strike our in two ways. From the North East and the land, Croesus replied: Oh, King, what I did Caucasus Corridor. The influx of foreign was for the benefit of you and hurt myself. If nations through this corridor throughout there is a blame, it is for the Greek gods that the Kingdom of the Median, Achaemenid, encouraged me to start a war” (Herodotus, Parthian and especially Sassanid was 1983: 71). This response suggests that troublesome and it was very expensive for Croesus was remorseful and understood that Iranian kings to maintain Caucasus canyon. the Greek gods were wrong for encouraging This time Cyrus moved to this area. him to start the war. According to , Cyrus, with the

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help of Armenians after the defeat of the and learn these names. Since their language Chaldeans () asked Tigran (Prince was not of Aryan language family, they of Armenia) to send a messenger to his didn’t understand Cyrus and the Iranian father to move and bring as many builders, language. carpenters and equipment as he could, Zolqarnein refused to accept any financial quickly to build the fort, and thereby build a assistance to build the dam (fort) and asked strong fortress in the Caucasus mountains only for the equipment (iron and lead) and with the help of Armenians and Chaldeans. physical strength to help him. Cyrus also When his troops brought him some enemy rejected any financial assistance from soldiers in chains, he ordered to open the Armenians and only called for the builders, restrains from their feet and called upon carpenter, and equipment from them doctors to treat them. Then he told the (Zolqarnein engaged in the construction of Chaldeans that he did not come to fight and the dam (Fortress) with the help of local destroy them, but his intention was people using stone and iron, and poured reconciliation between the Chaldeans and molten copper on stones and iron) "verse Armenians. Then Cyrus freed them all. 95". After the , the king of Armenia, told The latter is one of the most interesting Cyrus: I was more than willing to pay and most amazing Verses of Surah Kahf simply again and again, the taxes you receive consistent with , from us to drive Chaldeans out of our especially the time of Cyrus the Great. Those highlands. After this victory, Armenians, who are familiar with archaeological kings’ family and the country grandee, monuments of Achaemenid brought lots of money and gifts for Cyrus period or have seen the Pasargadae at close the Great. After rejecting Gifts, Cyrus said quarters, know that one of the main these battleships are a blessing for me and I characteristic of Achaemenid architecture is don’t need any approval apart from the use of stone and iron. Achaemenian, in discipline and benediction. Do not hide this making some great and important buildings, wealth, make a life full of peace and honor used a lot of massive stone blocks, thick for yourselves (Xenophon, 2005: 80-85). cuttings and rocky parts. Since mortar According to the above, the writings of cannot be used to connect cleanly shaven Xenophon is in full compliance with Verses massive stones, usually dry stack and iron 90 to 97 of Surah al-Kahf. Here, we need to staple is used. In this method, holes need to point out a few things to help better be created in 10 cm from the edges of two understand the issue. In verse 92, it is said adjacent pieces of rocks with hand drills. that Zolqarnein arrived to the mountainous Then a clamp (fastener) that looks like region that did not understand a word. stapler needle is placed inside the two holes. Languages spoken in the Caucasus To make it secure and robust inside the two Mountains region, are one of the most holes, some molten lead was poured on the difficult ones. It is very difficult to learn and sides of each iron rods (clamp) that there understand the Georgian language and was some empty space around them and despite repeated hearing of the names of also on its main body. There are different some Georgian political figures from the forms of iron staples and swallowtail staple mass media, we are less able to understand is one of the most famous in archeology of

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this period (Fig. 1). Many examples of these thereby, many believe that this dam is the staples can be found in the stone pieces and Zolqarnein dam. It is interesting that in the columns in the Levee palace of Pasargadae. nearby there is a river called Saeres which In addition, the Achaemenid used the lead means Cyrus (the called Cyrus, as mortars for connecting rock fragments Saeres). In the Armenian monuments, this (Fig. 2). wall called Bhag Gurayee which means the Verse 95 of Surah al-Kahf says: "Then Crossing of Cyrus or the Strait of Cyrus, and ordered to get deep into the ground to reach all of these, show that the founder of the the water and build a wall of iron and stone dam is Cyrus (Tabatabai, 1984: 664). from the depth of the earth to the height of two mountains." Achaemenid dug earth and Zolqarnein and his Morphology replaced its soft soil with sand pebbles In the , a ram was mentioned before construction of the building. that was standing near the Olaay creek (Susa Engineers of this period used foundation river that passes through the center of Susa) and laying of spool as their strong principle and had two horns. The word used here for of fortification for construction of their "two horns" translated in Hebrew as buildings. What obtained from the “Qarnaim” that is exactly the same Arabic inscription of Darius, the Achaemenid king word “Zolqarnein” (Bahrami, 2011: 31). of Susa, indicate this fact: Naturally, the Jews who asked the Prophet "The matter that I used to build this palace Muhammad about the identity of at Susa, was brought from very distant, it Zolqarnein, used their own religious culture was dug down to the extent that I got stone word and then it became the Arabic word” from the ground. When we dug, the spool Zolqarnein”. Apparently this has not been was poured. On the one hand the forty called up earlier in the Arabic culture and cubit, on the other hand twenty cubit in- Jews with knowledge of the matter and their depth. The palace was built on spool own Hebrew culture wanted to catch the "(Lecoq, 2003: 282). Prophet in their Hebrew culture trap using In verse 96 reads: "From then on, the the lack of information about this title in people never broke it, never were on top of Arabic. In any case, Zolqarnein is a title has the dam or were able to penetrate it." Since been used for a faithful prophetic king, Xenophon said both the Armenian and which has two horns. But the name of this Chaldean people participated in the person is not mentioned in the Qur’an. construction of the fort, it is logical for them On a stone base in the northern gate of to be diligent in maintaining it and not to palace R in Pasargadae which belongs to damage or break it (Xenophon, op.cit). Cyrus the Great, there is a stele remains Allama Tabatabai writes about the which is a winged angel with four wings and Zolqarnein dam: "In the region of the his dress is of Elamite dress and has a special Caucasus, between the and the crest on its head that look like Horus god Black Sea, there is a chain of mountains crowns in Egypt (Fig. 3). which like wall separates north from south. At the beginning of the nineteenth century Dardanelles Strait is the only known strait in there was an inscription above it that was these wall-like mountains and there is only called: "I am Cyrus, the Achaemenid king" one ancient Iron wall in the same place, and (Ghirshman, 1992: 132).

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Wings and horns are the symbol of the think the image belongs to the king Cyrus’s divine. Wings are the sign of the flight and Fravahar (spirit). But another group reject the rise in the highest in the Kingdom of any connection between this figure and the Heaven. Getting away from the founder of the "(Shapur contaminated soil pollution, crime and Shahbazi, 1970: 252). Faravashi (2000: 67- chaos. Fly into the light, soul and source of 69), "Relates this figure to Cyrus himself. He creation who is clean and just. In light of the believes that Achaemenid kings knew Qur’an and the monotheistic religions, the themselves to be connected to the race of cherubim (angels) have wings and fly freely gods and therefore found aspect of divinity in the Paradise. Abu Rayhan Biruni wrote: and a sculpture who have been under the "Umar suggests that he (Zolqarnein) is traditions of Mesopotamia, created Cyrus known to be an angel" (Biruni, 2007: 65). from stone in the form of life-saving angel The prophet Isaiah (2012: 738-9) described and added traditional gods’ wings on his the Persian king, Cyrus like a bird of prey shoulder”. Perhaps the Sassanids are (Eastern eagle): "I, myself (Jehovah), raised inherited the idea that "the King is the face Cyrus to follow my goal and carry out of the gods", from the Achaemenids. justice. I guide him to the right way. … I Horn is the symbol of strength, fertility, summon someone from the East. He will blessing and divinity. One of the distinctive come quickly like a bird of prey and will characteristics of Elamite deities, succeed to implement what I want". It is said Mesopotamia, Asia Minor etc. is the horned that his flag was a golden eagle with open helmet that they wear. Winged man and wings which was installed on a long spear. winged bull designs on the main ports of Xenophon quoted; when Cyrus and his their palaces has been adopted from father, Cambyses arrived to the Iranian Assyrian art and Palace of in border, they saw an eagle appeared at the particular. In the dream of the prophet right side of their camp and guided them. Daniel that the word Qarnayym (two horns) Cyrus and his father, praised gods and is used, states: "In the third year of the reign heroes who support and keep Pars safe of Belshazzar, I dreamed that in the city of (Xenophon, 2005: 45). Susa, the capital of province, I was In the first and second millennium B.C., standing along the Olay River (current the winged-man and winged creatures’ Susa). When I looked around, I saw a ram combination, bull-man, sphinx, Griffin, that had two long horns standing beside the were abundant in ancient monuments of river. Then I saw that one of the two horns Assyrians, Babylonians, , Egypt, and became longer. The ram was butting to the (Fig. 4). Archaeologists, art historians west, north and south and no animal could and religious writers place winged creatures stand against him or escape from him. He in the group of angels, divine beings and could get whatever he wanted, and became extraterrestrials. These creatures are flying stronger. While I was thinking about these in the space between God/gods and humans things, suddenly a goat came from the West. and are waiting to run commandments of He ran so fast that his feet did not touch the God/gods on earth at any time (like Michael, ground. The goat had a horn in the middle Gabriel, and Azrael). “Some believe that the of his eyes, and ran with all his power to the winged angel is Cyrus himself and some ram that had two horns, which I had seen it

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beside the creek. The goat was extremely Athef crown era (crown of the Egyptian god large, while it had reached the height of its Osiris) and it was a cone decorated with power, his horn suddenly broke and instead, ostrich feathers, perhaps it was a symbol of four horns at different directions appeared. solar disk on the crown. In Egyptian ... When I tried to understand the meaning mythology, symbol of the Roaring war called of my dream, suddenly someone stood in Hem Hemet and showed him crowned with front of me. First, I heard the voice from the three Athef crowns happened to be set up other side of the Olay river saying, "Gabriel, over two ram's horn (Shapur Shahbazi, interpret Daniels’ dream for him now." Then 2000: 64). Gabriel came to me. I got scared and fell to Elamite deities long dress, two pairs of the ground. He told me: "O Mortal man, the Assyrian God’s wings and Phoenician God dream that you saw, is related to the Baal, cherubim Bible and Ancient Egyptian afterlife". deities, Osiris hats which forms the Cyrus The ram with two horns in your dream is elements of cover, specifies that Cyrus, not the kingdom of the and . only respects the religion and beliefs of Male goat is the Greece kingdom, and the people under his nationality, but also he is great horn that was between his eyes is the the embodiment and religious first king of Greece. The four horns that representative of all the nations of the replaced the middle horn, means that the Middle East. Two sun-like orb that is located Greek Empire will be four parts and each on both sides of the crown, reminiscent of part will have an independent king. But the sun and its dominance of East and West none will be as large as the first king of the world. Of course, this sun-like orb is "(Daniel, 2012: 901-904). consistent with the name of Cyrus. As The owner of the two horns ram in Plutarch (2001: 191) noted that Cyrus had Daniel's dream, the person who created the taken its name from the sun. Because the kingdom of the Medes and Persians, and sun in the called "Cyrus". this person is none other than Cyrus, the founder of the that his Cyrus from the Eyes of United mother was "Median" and his Father was Subsidiaries "Persian". According to the dream of Daniel, When Cyrus in 539 B.C. entered into Qarnayym (Zolqarnein) was butting , small green branches, piles of straw (attacking) to the west, north and south. and palm leaves fell in the path he took to This theme is consistent to Verses 82 to 97 welcome and pave his chariot. Peace of Surah al-Kahf and proceedings of Cyrus. prevailed all over the city and Cyrus sent In addition, Daniel dreamed the king of greetings to the Babylonians (Mallowan, Greece (Alexander) with one horn, and it is 1972: 9). Ordinary people who did not know completely different with the Zolqarnein about the sudden and immediate victory of that has two horns. Prophet Daniel, who the King, astonished and said: Marduk, the lived about two hundred years before great lord of Babylon, asked Cyrus to Alexander, had predicted his victory and overthrow and replace him domination over the Achaemenid Empire. (Mole et al, 2007: 395). Cyrus prevented his Cyrus put a crown on the head, which was troops from the invasion of life, property originally from Egypt and it goes back to the and honor of the people. According to

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Bakhturtash (1995: 42), Cyrus entered looted. Many inscriptions obtained from the Babylon. But unlike conquerors before him, Assyrian and Babylonian kings in the first who entered into cities with evil catching millennium BC, make one familiar with the glory, but with a great and heavenly glory. common war traditions in the area. He didn’t order a general massacre, or put Ashour Nasirpal II, king of Assyria, in one fire to any house, didn’t skinned, didn’t of his inscriptions writes: "I burnt many burn boys and girls, didn’t take eyes and captives with fire, and many others were tongues out and did not break a shin; but brought into captivity. I cut the nose, ears granted tranquility, peace and freedom to and fingers of a number of them and build the temple and to release captives from blinded another group of them. I built a the prison dilemma. minaret out of live and another minaret out Perhaps Bakhturtash opinion were of the dead heads and hung the heads of the considered exaggerated, according to his dead rebels on trees around the city. I burnt Iranian preconception. But thousands of the youths and maidens in fire. Twenty men written documents and archaeological was captured alive and put in the wall of the evidences suggest that treatment of war- palace. The rest of the fighters died of thirst kings, generals and soldiers of those periods in the Euphrates desert"(Roux, 1990: 281). were different with the treatment of Cyrus Let's see what evidences are left from and his army. Scenes like these inhuman Cyrus, related to the seizure of cities and atrocities can be found in Assyrian palaces foreign countries. So far, no visual effects (Fig. 5). In these monuments, cities and (stele, seals ...) of inhumane treatment of fortresses of the enemies were destroyed and Cyrus has been found. But the Babylon burnt with different equipment. Men and cylinder with Babylonian script and enemy combat forces were massacred in the language is found. Cyrus issued some most heinous situation. They didn’t have commands, not only for Babylonians, but pity on the captives. Stripped and dragged also sent it to other territories after seizure them to crucify, sharp iron spears planted in of Babylon. Portions of the the ground and then put enemies on the to be rewritten to compare with the spears. Then skinned them while they were declaration of the kings before him: alive, cut their organs one by one and burnt "... Cyrus treated black heads, fairly. Cyrus them alive. governed the country by truth and justice. Men of distinction and elders were kept Murdok, the great lord, was very happy with naked and tied to each other with rope. his way of backing up people with the joy of They were split with excrement and forced good deeds and good thoughts. Murdok to walk from their township to the capital of decided for Cyrus to enter Babylon without Assyria or Babylon. Women and young girls war and bloodshed. People congratulated a were forced to do servitude and sexual leader who helped people and saved them slavery and sold out. All of their movable from the clutches of death and sorrow and property and assets (livestock, metals, returned them to life. All the gods praised grains, etc.) were transferred to the capital him and honored his name. and in the end, their land and gardens were My great army entered into Babylon in torched and their canals and springs were peace. I did not allow any suffering to be destroyed. City temples were destroyed and incurred to the people of this city and this

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country. I abolished slavery. I stopped their all his nation looked at Cyrus vivaciously. misfortune. I ordered that all people are free Sent his blessing to his just heart and to his to worship their gods and nobody could actions and asked him to move to his city mistreat them. I ordered that no one is (Babylon). Became his leader just like a allowed to kill anybody. friend and a fellow. Entered him into ... And I rebuilt the ancient cities that had Babylon without fighting and saved his been destroyed at the other side of the hometown from any oppression. Entrusted Tigris. I ordered to open all the temples that King Nabonidus who disrespect toward had been closed. All the gods of these Marduk, to him. All inhabitants of Babylon, temples were returned to their places. And Sumer and Akkad and elders and rulers, returned all the people who had been bowed Cyrus and kissed his feet "(Pirnia, displaced and scattered to their positions. I 2005, Vol. 1: 335-6). reconstructed their destroyed houses. I Cyrus introduced as prophet and chosen called all people to unity ... "(Jaafari Zouj, from Marduk in the declaration of Babylon 2008). priests. The one who is righteous and close In this charter, Cyrus introduced himself a to the heart of Marduk. Who has a justice prophet and chosen from Marduk and other seeking heart? After entering the city of gods. He knows that Marduk chosen him to Babylon, the locals welcomed him as the put the religion that Nabonidus, king of representative of Marduk and kissed his feet. Babylon, diverted from its path, in the right “ The government and the power of Cyrus away. Restore life to the people of Babylon in Babylon was not viewed as an alien and not only released the Babylonians under domination. He formally, took the kingship the Nabonidus oppression and slavery, but from the god of Babylon, Marduk and also returned Jews and other ethnic groups propoerly organized the ancient and sacred who were captured, to cities and their ceremones of Babylonians. Hence, Cyrus homes. "The king of Babylon, Nabonidus, adopted the title "king of countries, king of king of the Medes, like Azhydhak and King Babylon" (Dandamayev, 1994: 145). Lady Croesus was not molested but was In 539 BC, Cyrus the Great invaded granted exile to Karmania (Kerman) and Babylon and after the fall of its government, also a property was given to him" (Amelli, freed Jews who were enslaved for 70 years in 1999: 43). the country and led by Zorro Babel (Babylon It may be said that Cyrus had attempted to Zufar), the great priest of Jews in Babylon write this Charter for advertising or to went to Jerusalem. In addition, containers please his relatives and others. But the and stuff of Solomon's Temple were following statement left from Babylonian returned to their original position and priests eliminates such claim. provided financial assistance for the "He (Marduk), looked to all countries in restoration of Jerusalem and the Temple of search of a just king who is close to his heart Solomon from the state treasury. Cyrus and to guide him. At this time, he (Marduk) his successors created a spiritual named Cyrus, king of and called government that priests and clergies of him to rule the world. Threw Gutis and Israel ruled and handled it. The Land of Umanmands (Median) under his feet. Jerusalem was part of the great empire, until Marduk, the great advocate and supporter of the end of the Achaemenid dynasty.

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The work of Cyrus the great for saving the clones will split. I will give you the treasury Jewish people and their religion, if wasn’t and the treasures hidden in dark and secret greater than the work of Moses, it wasn’t places. Then you will know that I am the lesser than it. Moses freed Jews who were in lord, the God of Israel, who has called you fear, with great compassion, from the by name. I picked you up to help my servant bondage of the Egyptians, Jews turned to the Israel, the people I have chosen. I have given calf worshiping and were excluded from the the honor to you, but you still do not know religion of Moses. But Cyrus, not only freed me. the Jews from the captivity, placed them in ... I have raised Cyrus to run my goal and to comfort and safety, provided them with execute justice. I will make all his ways, the money and wealth and guided them to their right way. He will rebuild and reconstruct land, but restored their religion that was my city, Jerusalem and will free the captives. going toward corruption and astray, to its No one reward or bribe him to do it. actual position. Perhaps without his actions, (Chapter 46)... I summon someone from the Jews and their religion was brought to the East. He was like a bird of prey comes ruin and profound deviation. Complain with fast speed and will succeed in about bias, ignorance and religious guilt of implementing what I've asked. I have said it the Jewish people and their punishment, has and it will be done as I have said"(Isaiah, been stated in a number of books of this 2012: 732-739). period. In the words of Isaiah, there are some Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezra and Daniel, are things to consider: 1-Cyrus is a king that the among the prophets who directly or Lord, the God of the Jews, chosen to indirectly have pointed out Cyrus, the conquer nations and rebuild Jerusalem and Persian king in their religious books. This its large temple. 2-Cyrus doesn’t know the section tries to excerpts from the content God of the Jews. The end of chapter 45 says: they point out about this important religious "I gave you the honor, although you still do figure. not know me." That could mean that Cyrus Isaiah lived about 130 years before the didn’t accept the Jewish religion and it’s reign of Cyrus. Like most prophets of Israel, God, as some believe, as his official religion. Isaiah predicted the future and he was 3-Cyrus didn’t receive any bribes or wage to inspired. In parts of his book, Isaiah says: "I rebuild Jerusalem and release prisoners. command the oceans to dry up, (Chapter This is in such a great fit with Verses 93 and 44). I told Cyrus; you'll rule on my behalf. 94. Surah al-Kahf. When Cyrus wanted to You'll do what I want you to do. You will build a dam for northern residents, they order to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple offered money to him, but Zolqarnein foundation will be laid (Chapter 45). God refused and said, "The wealth that God has has chosen Cyrus to be the king. God has given me, is better than your costs". 4- In appointed him to rule the nations and to chapter 44, Cyrus has been mentioned as a take the kings off their thrones. God will bird of prey who comes from the East (Iran, open the gates of cities for him. The Lord was located on the east of Babylon and tells Cyrus: I myself, will pave the way for Jerusalem). It is also consistent with the flag you and will level the mountains and hills. I of Cyrus which is in the form of a high- slipped down gates of bronze and iron

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flown eagle and his winged body at the Jews was to find faithful helpers among entrance of the Pasargadae palace gate. them. But Cyrus’s fair behavior and moral Ezra, another prophet of Israel, lived at the foundations on other nations (Medes, time of the first king of the Achaemenid , Armenians, Babylonian, etc.) prove Empire and after the return of the Jewish that the liberation of Jews was more on people to Jerusalem. The first chapter of his ethical grounds "(Faravashi, 1991: 58). Even book writes: if Cyrus had such an intention, why did not “In the first year of the reign of Cyrus, king invade Egypt. He lived ten years after the of Persia, God fulfilled what he had been liberation of the Jewish people. In addition, promised by prophet Jeremiah and a person like Cyrus, who had lots of power prompted Cyrus to issue the following and wealth and had overthrown three huge command in writing and send it to all areas empires didn’t need a small and captured under his command to be read aloud to the nation like Jews. people. This command is from Cyrus, king Xenophon who is one of the three great of Persia. The Lord, the God of heaven, has Achaemenid historians, has admired Cyrus chosen me out to rule all the kings on the and introduced him as a perfect model of a earth and to build a big temple in Jerusalem. statesman, a moralist, experienced and wise ... Cyrus the king, returned all the bowls commander, pious and godly man, a kind and cups that King Nebuchadnezzar, had father, fair-minded justice.... He writes that taken from the temple in Jerusalem to his his behavior with the defeated nations was own gods’ temple"(Ezra, 2012: 363-4). Ezra like a father. Even in remote corners of his has mentioned Cyrus as the king of Persia. empire, serfs lived in bliss. His orders were Babylonian has mentioned him as king of obeyed like a kind father. All the defeated Anshan and Cyrus mentioned himself as the nations knew him as a father and benefactor Achaemenid king. (Xenophon, 2005: 237). According to Daniel is one of the latest prophet of the Ghirshman, he was a father for Persians, Jewish people, who, rather than returning to Greeks knew him as their master and Jerusalem, came to Susa along with Cyrus legislative, and Jews knew Cyrus as the king and achieved a prominent position in the from the Lord (Ghirshman, 1989: 143). administration of Cyrus and Darius. Dream Cyrus ritual ceremonies unlike many of Daniel about Qarnyym (Zolqarnein) as a inscriptions left from Darius and his ram with two horns, previously described. successors, there is not much left from Daniel's dream has foretold the Cyrus in Persia, except a few short lines in disintegration of powerful and rich Pasargadae. Besides, there is conflict over Achaemenid territories by the Greeks Pasargadae's inscription and some of them (Daniel, Chapters 6 to 12; 2012: 900-905). attributed to periods after Cyrus. So Thus, the prophets of Israel, knew Cyrus as inevitably, we need to refer to the writings of the king that God had chosen to return this Greek historians, and the confused people to their homeland and re- Babylonian inscriptions. establish the Jewish religion. "Some believe Xenophon who gives us the most religious that Cyrus intended to invade Egypt, and information about Cyrus, cites many because the Jewish homeland was in the way examples of his words and deeds in different to Egypt, the reason for liberation of the territories. According to his words; When

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the army of Cyrus, began their war drive joined their circle through their means. toward Assyrians, in the darkness of night, a Especially they were angry and upset at their dazzling light suddenly appeared over king, Nabonidus, for being away from Cyrus’s head and made all his army clear in Marduk and his closeness to Sin. If there bright light. The light that was reflected was someone who paid attention to their from the sky, created a kind of religious religious values and put an end to their excitement in the heart of his forces and all miseries; could be considered as their of them were sure of their victory against chosen prophet from the god. Cyrus was a enemy as one heart and one life (Xenophon, foresight king who had reached to human 2005: 104). perfection values. In his view who believed Our understanding of this narrative is that in the one unique God, different names like Cyrus was known to Iranians as a heavenly Marduk, Lord ... was only referring to the and divine figure, it was for a reason that same . As in the words of Rumi, Enab Iranians called him their father and the and Uzum are all the same Angoor (Grape) prince wore his coronation robe as a that is pronounced differently in any blessing. All resources talk about his praise language, but the meaning is the same. All of and prayer for god/gods, sacrificial offerings, this, is just diversity and changes its form temples/shrines and the share of the Magi by with time and races. Cyrus believed in Cyrus. Cyrus stepped into their temple, humanity. In his view, religion in any form honored and worshiped their gods, after the should be at the service of the good of capture and entering every city. He humanity. To break the shackles of slavery. commanded his troops, not to destroy , Marduk, God, Assyria, religious sites and do not touch their and Apollo are all different names of the property and treasures. Some consider creator and the source of everything and Cyrus's behavior from his nonchalance or everyone, praise it in a different manner. his bias toward Mesopotamian and Jewish After all, ceremonies and worship are free to gods. While according to Mole "Cyrus was be practiced in accordance with the so revered the god of Babylon and the gods principles of any specific religion. of other nations that the inhabitants of any Renner, has a political conception about country who were joined the Persian the ritual ceremonies of Cyrus. He believes Empire, believed he was their God’s chosen that it’s not right, not knowing Cyrus as a leader. Cyrus did not respect the gods of religious person or to assume that he other nations for hypocrisy and demagogy. believes in Babylonian gods, regarding to the But really knew them worthy of respect and cylinder. In fact, Cyrus realized how to use believed that every religion, every culture religion to calm the people who live in the and people need to be respected and newly freed territories. Thus, he used it very everyone who wants his culture and religion well. So that after the capture of Babylon, to be respected, must respect the religion returned the Jews to their homeland. Cyrus and culture of others. (Mole et al., 2007: religious tolerance, doesn’t mean that he 399). believed in all the gods, but facilitated his In fact, Cyrus entered the world of the government to this people (Renner, 2012: 5). nations through his own means. As people of Babylon were extremely religious, Cyrus Eternal Abode

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Cyrus saw a spirit in his dream that told to see his tomb and are eager to take a him: O' Cyrus, get prepared. Because soon glimpse. Did Cyrus inspired, like the you will fly into the kingdom of the gods. prophets of Israel, people from everywhere? Cyrus rushed off and interpreted his dream Why the grave of Cyrus, who was forgotten as moving to the eternal abode soon for centuries by Iranians and their history, (Xenophon, 2005: 325). But Herodotus and turn to be like a Muslim shrine? "Women Xenophon's story is different. According to visiting the shrine touch it three times with Herodotus, Cyrus died at the hands of their forehead and kiss it three times" Tomyris troops, Queen Masagetha who after (Shapur Shahbazi, 2000: 129). killing him on the battlefield, cut off his Cyrus on his deathbed and in his last head and plunged in a pan, full of blood moments of life said to his surrounding (Herodotus, 2010, vol. 10: 203). However, people: "At this moment you do not see my Herodotus writes four stories out of which soul. But after the separation from my body, the author has chosen the one. you will see its effects. Human soul will not When Alexander of Macedonian returned disappear after leaving the Earth and mortal to Babylon from his last war adventure, he body. When I die, do not cover my body in visited the . "Then Alexander gold and silver and the like. Embrace and became aware that it had been opened and bury it as soon as possible "(Xenophon, emptied. This was done by Pulymakhus. 2005: 271). Thus; Alexander commanded to kill him. Spirit or Faravashi is one of the main pillars Although he was a famed and cherished of the Zoroastrian religion and other man among the Macedonians. Such phrases monotheistic religions that won’t die; it is were written on the tomb of Cyrus, O' man, then judged and will find its way in heaven whoever you are and wherever you come or hell. It is a single inner force that is in from (because I know you will come), I am heaven after death and if praised and vowed, Cyrus, the founder of the Persian kingdom. will solve life's problems and fulfill demands. A little land covered my body, do not envy me "(Plutarch, 2001: 328). Conclusion Why Alexander who was the enemy of the To understand the religious and ritual Achaemenid state and its religion, valued character of Cyrus the Great, two the grave of Cyrus so much and killed one of documents are needed that complement his senior compatriots for opening his each other. Archaeological evidences and grave? Was the sanctity of the grave so much monuments of the founder of the that made even the greatest enemy of his Achaemenid Empire is in Iran (Pasargadae) country to strain? It was written on the and the historical and written documents, tomb of Cyrus “O' man, whoever you are produced abroad. The main historical and wherever you come from, because I documents that refer directly or indirectly to know that you will come”. Isn’t this, an him are: Greek historian books, Babylon, amazing sentence? Over two thousand and Old Testament and the Quran. All Greek five hundred and fifty years after the death writers except Ctesian, such as Herodotus, of Cyrus, his tomb is still healthy and this Xenophon, Plutarch, Strabo, Aristobulus ... remains a miracle, after this long time, still spoken about him and his goodness as a people from every corner of the world rush server and a model for moral and political

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world at that time. He was a man whose trips, as well as his architecture, his actions goal, after worshipping God, was justice. and speech entirely are consistent with Some biblical prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Verses of Surah al-Kahf. Thus, some of the Ezra, Daniel, also referred Cyrus. Based on prominent figures of Islam and the Qur'anic the writings of these saints, God chose him commentators like Abul Kalam Azad, to be the king for all the kingdoms of the Allama Tabatabai, and Ayatollah Makarem world. In order to overthrow the oppressive Shirazi ... know Cyrus to be the Zolqarnein governments, to establish justice, rescue the in Quran. Jews from captivity and rebuild Jerusalem Cyrus Charter and the Declaration of the and the temple of Solomon. In the book of priests of Babylon, which obtained from the Daniel, Cyrus is mentioned in the form of a ancient city of Babylon know Cyrus as the ram with two long horns with the title chosen one by the Babylonian god, Marduk Qarnyym. This title became an excuse for who has come to revive the religion, support the Jews who wanted to test correctness of the poor and oppressed and fight against the Prophet Muhammad’s information. oppressors. Cyrus respects temples and the Following the question of Jewish monks, God of all peoples under his rule and all Surah al-Kahf was revealed and Verses 82 to were free to worship their gods. Cyrus 97 of this chapter referred to this subject. tolerated different religions because he saw According to this verse, God established and different gods as one creator and one source strengthened Zolqarnein. He therefore won but with different names. Cyrus was a rain all his wars in the West, East and North and that was falling on all nations and religions build a barrier to prevent the entry of alike. invading people of the north. Cyrus war

References Tehran: Scientific and Cultural Publishing [1] Amelli, Kuhrt, (1999). Achaemenids, Company. Translated to Persian by: Morteza Saqebfar, [7] Daniel (2012). Old Testament, Mozhdeh Tehran: Qoqnoos. Translation for the New Age, Tehran: Offset [2] Bahrami, Askar (2011). "Cyrus the Great and [8] Erfanmanesh, Jalil (2010). Cyrus and Zolqarnein", in: Achaemenid Cyrus Conference Restoration of National Identity, Second and Zolqarnein, Tehran: Centre for the Great Edition, Tehran: Farhange Maktoob Publication. Islamic Encyclopaedia. [9] Ezra (2012). Old Testament, Mozhdeh [3] Bakhturtash, N. (1995) Government what Translation for the New Age, Tehran, Offset. wrote order to the world, Tehran: [10] Faravashi, (1991). Airyanem Cultural Institute and Publisher. Vaejah, Tehran: Tehran University Press. [4] Bayani, Shirin (2002). Ancient Iranian [11] Faravashi, Bahram (2000). Airyanem History (2), Tehran: Samt. Vaejah, Tehran: Tehran University Press [5] Biruni, Abu Rayhan (2007). Asaralbaqyh, [12] Ghirshman, Roman (1992). Translated by: Akbar Danaseresht, Tehran: during Median and Achaemenid, Translated by: Amir Kabir Publishing Institute. Isa Behnam, Tehran: Cultural and Scientific [6] Dandamayev, M.A., (1994). Iran under Early Publications. Achaemenids, Translated by: Rouhi Arbab, [13] Ghirshman, R., (1989). Iran from Beginning to Islam, Translated by Mohammad.

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[14] Herodotus (2010). The History of [23] Pirnia, Hasan (2005). of Herodotus, Vol. 1, Translated by: Morteza Iran, Vol.1, Tehran: Negah Publishing Institute Saqibfar, Tehran:Asatir Publication. [24] Plutarch (2001). Persians and the Greeks [15] Herodotus (1983). The History of according to Plutarch, Translated and Selected Herodotus, translated: Gh. Vahid Mazandarani, by: Ahmad Kasravi, Tehran: Djami. Third Edition, Tehran: Center for Cultural and [25] Renner, Adams (2012). "Achaemenid Scientific Publications. Religion, Kingly Sincerity and Political [16] Holy Quran (2002). Translated by: Elahi Manipulation", www. History of the Ancient Ghomshei, Tehran. World.com/2012/12. [17] Isaiah (2012). Old Testament, Mozhdeh [26] Roux, Georges (1990). Ancient Translation for the New Age, Tehran, Offset. Mesopotamia, translation by: Abdolreza [18] Jaafari Zouj, Seyyed Mojtaba (2007). The Houshang Mahdavi, Tehran: Abi Publication. Declaration of Achaemenid Cyrus, Shiraz: [27] Shapur Shahbazi, A., (1970). Cyrus the Rokhshid. Great, Shiraz: Pahlavi University Press. [19] Lecoq, Pierre (2003). Achaemenid [28] Shapur Shahbazi, A., (2000). Inscriptions, Translated by: Nazila Khalkhali, Comprehensive Guide to Pasargadae, Shiraz: Tehran, Erfan Research and Publishing. Farsology Foundation. [20] Mallowan, max (1972). Cyrus the Great [29] Tabatabai, Seyyed Mohamad Hossein (558-529 BC), Iran, Vol. 10: 1-17. (1984). Tafsir al-Mizan (Vol. 13), translation by: [21] Moein, Tehran, Scientific and Cultural Mohammad Bagher Mousavi Hamedan, Tehran, Publishing Company. Scientific and Intellectual Foundation of [22] Mole, Marijan and Herzfeld, Ernst and Allameh Tabatabai. Ghirshman, Roman (2007). Eternal Land, Vol. 1, [30] Xenophon (2005). , Translated Translated and Adaptation by: Zabihullah by: Reza Mashayekhi, Tehran: Scientific and Mansouri, the Twentieth Edition, Tehran, Cultural Publishing Company. Zarrin Publication.

Fig.1 Swallowtail Staple. Place: Pasargadae

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Fig. 2 Achaemenid Used the Lead as Mortars for Connecting Rock Fragments. Place: Tomb of Minor Cyrus, Bozpar

Fig. 3 Stele of Cyrus in Pasargade

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Fig. 4 Assyrian Winged Man

Fig. 5 Assyrians Dealt with the Vanquished in War. Balavat Bronze Gates

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هﻤﺴﺎناﻧﮕﺎری ﮐﻮروش ﮐﺒﯿﺮ ﺑﺎ ذواﻟﻘﺮﻧﯿﻦ (ﺗﻔﺴ ﺮﯿ ﯾآ ﺎت ٨٢ -٩٧ ﺳﻮره اﻟﮑﻬﻒ در ﻗﺮآن ﻣﺠ ﺪﯿ )

اﯾﻤﺎن ﺧﺴﺮوی١، رﺿﺎ ﻣﻬﺮآﻓﺮﯾﻦ٢

ﺗﺎرﯾﺦ درﯾﺎﻓﺖ: ۵/٧/١٣٩۶ ﺗﺎرﯾﺦ ﭘﺬﯾﺮش : ١٣/٣/١٣٩٧

ﭼﮑﯿﺪه ﯾﻬﻮدﯾﺎن ﻣﺪﯾﻨﻪ از ﭘﯿﺎﻣﺒﺮ اﺳﻼم درﺑﺎره ﺷﺨﺼﯽ ﺑﻪ ﻧﺎم ذواﻟﻘﺮﻧﯿﻦ ﭘﺮﺳﯿﺪﻧﺪ . ﻣﺘﻌﺎﻗﺐ اﯾﻦ ﭘﺮﺳﺶ، در ﺳﻮره ﮐﻬﻒ آﯾﺎت ٨٢ ﺗﺎ ٩٧ درﺑﺎره اﯾﻦ ﺷﺨﺺ ﮐﻪ ﭘﺎدﺷﺎهﯽ ﻣﺆﻣﻦ ﺑﻪ ﺧﺪا و روز ﻗﯿﺎﻣﺖ ﺑﻮد، ﺗﻮﺿﯿﺤﺎت ﮐﻠﯽ داده ﺷﺪ . ﻃﺒﻖ اﯾﻦ آﯾﺎت، ﺧﺪاوﻧﺪ ﺑﺎ اﻣﮑﺎﻧﺎﺗﯽ ﮐﻪ در اﺧﺘﯿﺎر ذواﻟﻘﺮﻧﯿﻦ ﻗﺮار داد؛ ﺗﻮاﻧﺴﺖ ﺑﺮ دﺷﻤﻨﺎﻧﺶ ﭘﯿﺮوز ﺷﻮد و ﻋﺪاﻟﺖ را در ﻗﻠﻤﺮو ﺣﮑﻮﻣﺘﯽ ﺧﻮد ﺟﺎری ﺳﺎزد . در اﯾﻦ ﺳﻮره هﯿﭻ اﺷﺎرهای ﺑﻪ ﻣﮑﺎن، زﻣﺎن و ﻧﺎم اﯾﻦ ﺷﺨﺼﯿﺖ ﻧﺸﺪه و ذواﻟﻘﺮﻧﯿﻦ ﮐﻪ ﻟﻘﺐ وی اﺳﺖ؛ در اﺳﻔﺎر ﯾﻬﻮد ﺑﻪ ﺷﮑﻞ ﻗﺎرﻧﺎﺋﯿﻢ آﻣﺪه اﺳﺖ . ﻣﺴﺎﺋﻞ ﻣﺠﻬﻮل ﻓﻮق ﺑﺎﻋﺚ ﺷﺪه اﺳﺖ ﺗﺎ ﻣﻔﺴﺮﯾﻦ ﻗﺮآن و اﺳﻼمﺷﻨﺎﺳﺎن اﻓﺮاد ﻣﺨﺘﻠﻔﯽ را ﺑﻪ ﻋﻨﻮان ذواﻟﻘﺮﻧﯿﻦ ﻣﻌﺮﻓﯽ ﮐﻨﻨﺪ . در ﺑﯿﻦ اﯾﻦ اﻓﺮاد، ﻧﺎم ﮐﻮروش، ﭘﺎدﺷﺎه هﺨﺎﻣﻨﺸﯽ و اﺳﮑﻨﺪر ﻣﻘﺪوﻧﯽ ﭘﺎدﺷﺎه ﯾﻮﻧﺎن ﺑﯿﺶ از دﯾﮕﺮان ﺑﻪ ﭼﺸﻢ ﻣﯽﺧﻮرد . اﯾﻦ ﭘﮋوهﺶ ﻗﺼﺪ دارد ﺗﺎ ﺑﻪ ﻣﻨﻈﻮر ﻣﺸﺨﺺ ﺳﺎﺧﺘﻦ ﺷﺨﺼﯿﺖ ذواﻟﻘﺮﻧﯿﻦ از روش رهﯿﺎﻓﺖ ﺗﺎرﯾﺨﯽ اﺳﺘﻔﺎده ﮐﻨﺪ. در اﯾﻦ روش اﺳﻨﺎد ﻣﻬﻢ و دﺳﺖ اول ﻣﺬهﺒﯽ و ﺗﺎرﯾﺨﯽ ﻣﺎﻧﻨﺪ ﻗﺮآن ﮐﺮﯾﻢ، ﺗﻮرات، ﻣﻨﺸﻮر ﮐﻮروش، ﻧﻮﺷﺘﻪ ﺎهﺎی ﻣﻮرﺧ ن ﻋﺼﺮ ﮐﻼﺳﯿﮏ ﯾﻮﻧﺎن و ...هﻤﺮاه ﺑﺎ ﺷﻮاهﺪ ﺑﺎﺳﺘﺎنﺷﻨﺎﺧﺘﯽ در راﺳﺘﺎی ﯾﮑﺪﯾﮕﺮ ﻣﻮرد ﻣﻄﺎﻟﻌﻪ و ﺗﻄﺒﯿﻖ ﻗﺮار ﮔﺮﻓﺘﻨﺪ . ﺑﺮاﺳﺎس ﻧﺘﺎﯾﺞ ﭘﮋوهﺶهﺎی ﺻﻮرت ﮔﺮﻓﺘﻪ، ذواﻟﻘﺮﻧﯿﻦ، ﮐﻮروش ﮐﺒﯿﺮ ﭘﺎدﺷﺎه هﺨﺎﻣﻨﺸﯽ ﺑﻮده اﺳﺖ . .

واژههﺎی ﮐﻠﯿﺪی: ذواﻟﻘﺮﻧﯿﻦ، ﺳﻮره ﮐﻬﻒ، ﺗﻮرات، ﮐﻮروش ﮐﺒﯿﺮ، اﺳﮑﻨﺪر ﻣﻘﺪوﻧﯽ.

______١. ﮐﺎرﺷﻨﺎﺳﯽ ارﺷﺪ ﺑﺎﺳﺘﺎنﺷﻨﺎﺳﯽ، داﻧﺸﮑﺪۀ هﻨﺮ و ﻣﻌﻤﺎری، داﻧﺸﮕﺎه ﻣﺎزﻧﺪران، ﻣﺎزﻧﺪران، اﯾﺮان. ٢. داﻧﺸﯿﺎر ﺑﺎﺳﺘﺎنﺷﻨﺎﺳﯽ، داﻧﺸﮑﺪۀ هﻨﺮ و ﻣﻌﻤﺎری، داﻧﺸﮕﺎه ﻣﺎزﻧﺪران، ﻣﺎزﻧﺪران، اﯾﺮان. [email protected] (ﻧﻮﯾﺴﻨﺪۀ ﻣﺴﺌﻮل).

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