As part of its annual outreach program in Turkey, a delegation from the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine has made a historic visit to the city of Igdir, where it held meetings with religious scholars and key officials from the Ahlulbayt Association, one of the city's most prominent Islamic institutions. The visit was organized by the Imam Hussain Media and Cultural Center, which operates under the Shrine’s Media Department, in coordination with the local association.

Mr. Al-Hassan Ni’ma Al-Khafaji, Assistant Head of the Media Department at the Holy Shrine, told the Shrine's official website, “The delegation from the General Secretariat of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine arrived in Igdir as part of its annual cultural and media program, which includes a series of activities across several Turkish cities. The Imam Hussain Media and Cultural Center is responsible for coordinating these efforts.”

Al-Khafaji explained that during the visit, the delegation met with the president of the Ahlulbayt Association and a number of distinguished scholars.

“This is the first time a delegation from the Iraqi holy shrines has visited the city of Igdir and engaged directly with officials of the Ahlulbayt Association,” he noted.

He emphasized that the Shrine’s ongoing program in Turkey is designed to strengthen ties and offer cultural and media support to institutions dedicated to promoting the teachings of the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them).

“Our efforts reflect the vision of the Supreme Religious Authority in Najaf, which emphasizes moderation, openness, and constructive cultural dialogue.”

Al-Khafaji also highlighted the Holy Shrine’s commitment to maintaining a strong intellectual and cultural presence in Islamic communities outside Iraq, stating, “We are working to build long-term partnerships, such as the one with the Ahlulbayt Association in Igdir, which plays a vital role in preserving the Shia identity in Turkey.”

In his remarks, Sheikh Qurban Ulu Siz, former president of the Ahlulbayt Association, stressed the importance of ongoing communication with the Iraqi holy shrines.

“Direct connection with the Supreme Religious Authority in Najaf remains one of the strongest sources of resilience and doctrinal continuity for the Shia community in Turkey,” he said.

He added that the moderate and inclusive approach of Sayyed Ali Al-Hussaini Al-Sistani, the Supreme Religious Authority, has earned respect from Turkish authorities and enhanced the Association’s ability to promote the Ahlulbayt's teachings peacefully and effectively.

“The Association currently oversees more than 50 preachers across various Turkish cities, who are dedicated to conveying the message of the Ahlulbayt using balanced, scholarly, and spiritually resonant methods aligned with Turkish society’s culture and values.”

The delegation concluded its visit by reaffirming the Holy Shrine’s commitment to supporting such initiatives and strengthening intellectual and spiritual connections with Muslim communities abroad. The visit reflected the message of the Supreme Religious Authority, which is rooted in tolerance, moderation, and cultural engagement, and marked an important step in building enduring ties between the holy shrines of Iraq and Shia communities in Turkey.