Sheikh Anwar Sham Rahmani, Director of the Ahlulbayt Foundation in Turkey, affirmed that the Rabi’ Al-Shahada International Cultural Festival represents a unique convergence of faith and culture. He explained that commemorating the birth of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) through this festival transforms the occasion into a true educational institution, where young people learn the values of loyalty, steadfastness, and standing with the truth—thereby preserving the identity of the nation and keeping the message of Karbala alive in their hearts and actions.

He added that the festival serves as a message to the world, emphasizing that the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them) are not merely a historical memory, but a comprehensive project of life grounded in ethics, awareness, and responsibility.

Sheikh Rahmani further noted that institutions affiliated with the Ahlulbayt are not confined to local or regional boundaries; rather, they form a global service-oriented movement spanning dozens of countries, conveying the message of the Ahlulbayt to people of diverse languages and cultures.

He affirmed that these institutions operate within the framework of the Alawite and Hussaini school of thought and follow the path of Najaf Al-Ashraf, under the guidance of the Supreme Religious Authority, adopting an approach rooted in wisdom, balance, and moderation. He highlighted their wide-ranging cultural, educational, and social activities, with particular focus on youth development and empowering the role of women within the family and society, inspired by the exemplary lives of Lady Fatima and Lady Zainab (peace be upon them).

He added that the servants of the Ahlulbayt from Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, London, Madrid, Berlin, Moscow, the Caucasus, and Central Asia convey the greetings and love of millions to the holy city of Karbala and to the shrine of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him).

He concluded by stating, “We convey the greetings of millions to our father, our religious authority and refuge, the protector of our faith and sacred sites—the Supreme Religious Authority, Grand Ayatollah Sayed Ali Al-Hussaini Al-Sistani.”