On June 17, 2025, from 9:15 AM to 7:00 PM, the University of Geneva’s Department of Art History will host a series of lectures organized under the auspices of the Mossadegh Foundation. The event is co-organized by Dr. Shervin Farridnejad of the University of Hamburg and Dr. Negar Habibi of the University of Geneva.

The conference will explore the symbolic and visual significance of the cypress tree in Iranian culture, focusing on its representation in artworks from the Achaemenid period to contemporary times. In Zoroastrian tradition, the cypress tree served as a symbol of divine kingship.

Among the featured speakers are Richard McClary, Moya Carey, Elika Palenzona-Djalili, Shiva Mihan, Mahroo Moosavi, Sepideh Parsapajouh, and Domenico Ingenito.