Ashura procession in Khor Al-Zubair draws crowds, marks fourth year of Imam Hassan Camp commemoration

BASRA — The Imam Hassan Camp held its fourth consecutive Ashura procession Tuesday in Khor Al-Zubair, drawing large crowds from the town and neighboring areas including Safwan and Umm Qasr, organizers said.

The procession began at the “Sharifa bint Imam Hassan” tent and moved through several streets in southern Basra. Organizers said more than 1,000 meals were prepared and distributed to attendees, with contributions and participation from visitors including a group from Nasiriyah.

Prominent eulogy reciter Karar Al-Abadi headlined the religious observances, which are part of Shia Islam’s commemoration of Ashura, held annually on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. The day marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 A.D.

Mourning rituals observed during Ashura include hand and chain flagellation, elegy recitations, dramatic reenactments, and public processions.

“This mourning procession has become a firm annual tradition during Muharram,” said Ahmed Sabahi, a member of the Imam Hassan Camp. He said organizers typically prepare more than 50 bags of rice and about 500 kilograms of meat to serve participants.

Hussam Sabahi, part of the organizing committee, said the event has grown beyond a religious commemoration. “It has become part of the spiritual identity of the area,” he said, adding that the meals and effort involved are symbolic gestures in honor of the sacrifices made by the Prophet’s family.

Organizers plan to expand services next year to accommodate more visitors from across Basra and elsewhere. They said the event is funded entirely through local donations and community support, without government assistance.

“This also builds solidarity and cooperation between residents and procession groups,” Sabahi said.

The Iraqi Cabinet has declared Sunday, July 6, a public holiday for all ministries and government institutions in observance of Ashura.

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