IRIB prepares new religious TV series for Muharram, Safar 

TEHRAN – Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) has prepared three new religious TV series to entertain people during the lunar months of Muharram and Safar, which are observed every year with rituals for the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions.

Tehran Municipality to dedicate cultural centers to Muharram mourning rituals during pandemic

TEHRAN – The Art and Cultural Organization of the Tehran Municipality plans to dedicate courtyards of its cultural centers to Muharram mourning ceremonies amid the pandemic.

'Severe anti-coronavirus restrictions not possible any more'

TEHRAN – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced on Sunday that it is not possible to implement tough anti-COVID-19 restrictions in Iran for they lead to depression and tensions in the society.

IKIA operates 979 flights during Arbaeen season

TEHRAN – Imam Khomeini International Airport has operated 979 flights between Iran and Iraq since the beginning of the Arbaeen season on October 9.

By Afshin Majlesi

Despite media bias, Western people have right to authentic information on Arbaeen

Mass media outlets, including news agencies, radio, television, the Internet and mobile platforms, have undoubtedly become the primary source of information for the majority of, if not all, individuals in modern societies.

IKIA transports 49,000 Arbaeen pilgrims in 4 days

TEHRAN – Imam Khomeini International Airport has transported some 49,000 passengers from Tehran to Iraqi cities of Najaf and Baghdad to participate in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in a span of four days.

Iran temporarily lifts visa requirement for Iraqi nationals

TEHRAN – Iran’s embassy in Baghdad has announced that Iraqi nationals can visit Iran without a visa from October 24 to December 27, 2019.

Tehran museum to host meeting on Muharram rituals

TEHRAN - The Glass and Ceramic Museum of Tehran will this evening host a meeting to discuss Muharram rituals which were held during Qajar era (1789–1925) at Tekyeh Dowlat, a royal theater in downtown Tehran.

Iran and its enormous potential for religious tourism

TEHRAN – Iran is growing into a major destination for religious tourism despite U.S. sanctions on its economy, some experts say. 

By Seyed Hossein Hosseiniseddiq

Muharram mourning in a strange country

TEHRAN - A few years back, I went to Germany to study for a doctorate and settled in a university campus located in a small town hundred kilometers North of Frankfurt in the woods. After a short while, I got to know the university and its surroundings. In a cold evening, it was about four o'clock after returning from the library. I was browsing my Persian calendar, and I suddenly realized that it was the fifth or sixth of Muharram and I was struck by a strange tragedy or grief.  I knew that there was not definitely a mosque for Shiites in this small town. Of course, later on, I discovered that a leased mosque belonging to the Ahmadiyya sect of Pakistan was located behind my faculty, the Middle East Studies Center.

Muharram rituals capture attention of foreigners

TEHRAN – Iran turns to a major tourism hub during the mourning month of Muharram. Every year thousands of foreigners flock to the country to see with their naked eyes and record with cameras the Iranian fervor during Muharram that reaches its climax on its 10th day, also known as Ashura.

By Afshin Majlesi

A unique experience in life: Traveling to Iran during Muharram

TEHRAN – A unique time for visiting Iran is during the first ten days of the lunar month of Muharram, which falls from Sept. 1 to 10 this year. That’s because Iranians, who are mostly Shia Muslims, hold special ceremonies during this time. For Shia Muslims, Muharram is a turning point in the history of Islam.

Muslim mourners mark martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS)  

Muslim mourners travel on a street in Karbala, Iraq on September 3, 2019 in a group representing the caravan of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions when they embarked on a journey to Kufa in 680 CE.    

Restored versions of “Fateful Day”, “Flying in the Night” hit screens

TEHRAN – The restored versions of “Flying in the Night” by Rasul Mollaqolipur and “The Fateful Day” by Shahram Asadi have been screened in Tehran, Mashhad and Shiraz, the Farabi Cinema Foundation has announced.

Tehran City Theater to host tazieh performances during Muharram

TEHRAN – Tehran’s City Theater Complex will be hosting groups of thespians who will stage performances of tazieh for ten nights during Muharram, the first month of the lunar calendar that will begin on September 1. 

More foreign tourists spectate religious rituals while in Yazd

TEHRAN – Over the past couple of years, religious rituals have attracted more foreign travelers as spectators to Iran’s Yazd province, CHTN reported on Saturday.

Iran, Iraq seeking UN recognition of Arba’een pilgrimage

TEHRAN - Iranian tourism and cultural heritage authorities in collaboration with their Iraqi counterparts are implementing a plan to promote the recognition of Arba’een pilgrimage on the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, CHTN reported.