The Imam Hussain Center in Istanbul, affiliated with the Media Department of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, has been organizing daily mourning gatherings from the first day of the holy month of Muharram through the thirteenth in commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him).

Sabah Al-Taliqani, Director of the Center, said that the gatherings feature lectures and mourning recitations delivered by renowned Hussaini orator Sheikh Mazen Al-Tamimi.

He explained that the events are being held in coordination with the Holy Shrine’s Department of Intellectual and Cultural Affairs and in cooperation with the Ahlulbayt Foundation and the Ahlulbayt Association, which represents the Turkmen community in Istanbul. Separate facilities have been arranged to accommodate men, women, and children participating in the commemorations.

Al-Taliqani added that preparations are also underway for the Fourth Annual Forum, scheduled to be held this year in the city of Antakya (Hatay) in southern Turkey. The city was among the areas hardest hit by the devastating earthquake that struck the region in 2023.

He noted that a special delegation from the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine will travel to Antakya to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain on the tenth of Muharram, describing the initiative as an expression of solidarity with the local community and support for those affected by the disaster.

The annual forum is part of the Holy Shrine’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural and religious engagement with communities abroad and to promote the values and message of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) across different societies.

Abbas Al-Taee