In the central Iraqi city of Karbala, more than 20 million Shia Muslims recently convened to observe Arbaeen. The annual event, which took place earlier this month, serves as a significant commemoration of the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, an occurrence that took place 14 centuries ago and remains a defining moment within Shia Islam.
Pilgrims traveled to Iraq from across the globe to participate in the observance. Despite August temperatures frequently exceeding 110 degrees, many individuals from Iraq and Iran undertook the journey on foot, walking hundreds of miles to reach the city. While the occasion is rooted in a sorrowful historical event, the atmosphere surrounding the shrines has been described as nearly festive.
The pilgrimage is characterized by a strong, noncommercial sense of community. In the weeks leading up to the event, hospitality tents were established along highways and near the shrine area. Volunteers at these locations provided free food, ranging from bean stew to grilled chicken, and offered water to those passing through. Many residents also opened their homes to accommodate pilgrims throughout their journey, ensuring a pervasive spirit of collective support that is recreated annually.
But the atmosphere around the pilgrimage is decidedly noncommercial. The shrine area and highways leading to Karbala are lined for weeks before with hospitality tents, where volunteers cook and hand out free food, everything from bean stew to grilled chicken. It's difficult to walk down the street without being handed food or water. People open their homes to the pilgrims to stay on their journey. It's a powerful sense of community, recreated every year.
For more Far-Flung Postcards, click here.
