TEHRAN - Yazd is set to welcome international tourists to its renowned Muharram mourning ceremonies through specially organized tours.

In a bid to highlight the importance of intangible heritage and demystify the philosophy of Imam Hussain’s (AS) uprising, Yazd held a coordination meeting on Tuesday to organize special tours dedicated to international visitors, CHTN reported.

The meeting brought together officials from various executive bodies and active members of religious and spiritual tourism sectors to foster closer collaboration, the report said. 

The aim of launching such tours is to facilitate the presence of foreign tourists in religious sites across the province.

According to the provincial officials, the Muharram tours will include necessary explanations about Imam Hussain’s uprising against injustice and oppression. On the other hand, they are aimed to promote intangible heritage, and counter Islamophobia.

This initiative began in Yazd more than ten years ago and has been well-received by foreign tourists over the years.

Despite the hot summer weather, this year Yazd is expecting a number of overseas tourist groups to participate in Muharram ceremonies.
As revealed by the tour organizers, efforts are being made to ensure that visiting tourists can attend these events during their stay in the province.

In the coming days, Yazd will also introduce its tourism and cultural capacities by organizing activities such as attending the Tasu’a and Ashura ceremonies, participating in the preparation and distribution of Nazri (religious food offerings), showcasing nationally registered mourning rituals and intangible heritage, and distributing cultural gifts.

Every Muharram, hundreds of foreign nationals flock to Iran to experience its profound mourning traditions firsthand despite the language barrier.

Throughout the first ten days of the lunar month, numerous mourning rituals pay tribute to Imam Hussain (AS) and his loyal companions, martyred in the tragic Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Commemorated with exceptional grandeur, these rituals hold a revered place in the hearts of the Iranian people. Each unique ritual conveys profound messages of sacrifice, justice, and devotion.
The zenith of Muharram observances is Ashura, the tenth day of the lunar month, marked by large gatherings at mosques and religious centers.

XF/AM