The first convoy of Turkish pilgrims set off from the city of Igdir, eastern Turkey, towards the holy shrines in Iraq to participate in the Arbaeen Pilgrimage and provide services to pilgrims through Mawakibs. 

“In coordination with the Al Al-Bayt Foundation and the Iraqi Consulate in Istanbul, visas were issued to more than 200 Turks wishing to participate in the upcoming Arbaeen Pilgrimage,” said Sabah Al-Taliqani, director of Imam Hussein Center in Istanbul.

He added, “There are other convoys that include hundreds of pilgrims waiting to obtain visas, and it is hoped that they will set off from Istanbul in buses and by air during this week.”

The Turkish pilgrims are arriving to Karbala early so that they can set up their Mawakibs to serve the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) along the route to Karbala until the 20^th of Safar.

Imam Hussein Cultural Center in Istanbul, Turkey, is affiliated with the Media Department of Imam Hussain Holy Shrine. It was inaugurated last year in cooperation with the Al Al-Bayt Foundation to commemorate the occasions of the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them), provide support to Turkish pilgrims visiting the holy shrines in Iraq, and participate in mourning ceremonies and cultural and media activities.