Iran has marked Ashura, one of the most important days in the Shia Muslim calendar, with mourning ceremonies that also carried strong political messages.
Across Tehran and other Iranian cities, streets and neighbourhoods were covered with black decorations during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, as people remembered the killing of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, more than 1,300 years ago.
For Iran’s Islamic Republic, Ashura is not only a religious occasion but also a political event. Authorities present the state as following the example of Imam Hussein, who is honoured for resisting what was seen as unjust rule.
State-backed ceremonies highlighted leaders and commanders killed during recent conflicts, with supporters describing them as martyrs. Images of fallen officials appeared at mourning sites, while religious chants, processions and public gatherings took place across the country.
Large gatherings were held in major areas, including Tehran’s Revolution Square, with mourning processions carrying traditional banners linked to the Battle of Karbala, where Imam Hussein was killed.
Many ceremonies included traditional rituals such as chest-beating, religious songs, prayers, and the distribution of food and drinks.
However, not all Ashura events were connected to the government. Many Iranian families observed the occasion privately through long-standing traditions, remembering relatives who had died and preparing traditional meals for neighbours.
Some families also used Muharram gatherings to honour people killed during protests earlier in the year, with reports of relatives holding photographs of their loved ones during ceremonies.
The events came as Iran continues discussions with the United States following months of conflict involving Washington and Israel. Iranian officials used Ashura messages to call for national unity, while state supporters criticised foreign pressure on the country.
.jpeg)
.jpeg "Sunayen kofofin aljanna guda takwas 8")
0 Comment about the Post: