Erbil prepares to welcome Iranian pilgrims

ERBIL — Erbil is preparing to welcome Iranian pilgrims traveling through the Haji Omeran and Tamarchin border crossings on their way to Karbala for Imam Hussein’s Arbaeen pilgrimage.

Omed Khoshnaw, the Governor of Erbil, announced that this will be the third year the Erbil administration facilitates the journey for Iranian pilgrims to Karbala and Najaf.

Khoshnaw said the Erbil administration will provide accommodation, food, and other necessities for the pilgrims from the Haji Omran border crossing to their exit from the Kurdistan Region. “The same support will be provided when they return,” he added.

Iranian pilgrims are expected to enter the Kurdistan Region at the end of July, beginning their pilgrimage to Shia holy sites. Last year, 122,000 Iranian pilgrims traveled through Haji Omran to Karbala and Najaf, with two rest and accommodation stations provided for them in Erbil.

Arbaeen is one of the most significant events in the Shia Muslim calendar, marking the 40th day after Ashura, when Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was killed at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD by Umayyid troops.