Ashura processions in Daquq barred from collapsing shrine

KIRKUK — Sixteen Ashura mourning processions from across the Daquq district of Kirkuk gathered Friday at the Shrine of Imam Zain al-Abidin but were unable to enter after authorities closed the site following a partial collapse of the historic building.

The processions, organized by hussainiyas and Shia religious groups, drew participants from Kurdish, Arab and Turkmen communities, with residents describing the annual commemoration as a display of coexistence among Daquq’s diverse population. Participants said they had traditionally gathered in the shrine’s courtyard to pray and perform Ashura rituals, but this year’s ceremonies were held outside because the shrine remained closed.

Fakhruddin Mohammad al-Imamli, one of the participants, blamed local and federal authorities for failing to restore the shrine. “In previous years, the processions gathered inside the shrine’s courtyard to perform the visitation and prayers, but the deterioration of the shrine prevented that this year,” he said. He also criticized the absence of Kirkuk provincial council members and members of parliament, saying they had frequently visited during election campaigns.

Adnan Hussein al-Taie, another participant, called the shrine one of Daquq’s main religious landmarks and said participation this year had grown. “All the hussainiyas, different ethnic communities, age groups and social figures in the district participated,” he said. Mustafa Ahmed said the procession reflected the district’s communal ties, while Adnan Mohammad said he was disappointed worshippers could not enter. “We used to visit the shrine and pray inside it, but this year we could not enter because it was closed after part of the building collapsed,” he said.

Imam Zain al-Abidin, the son of Imam Hussein and great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, is revered in Shia Islam as the fourth Imam. He survived the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE and is remembered for his devotion and scholarship. Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, commemorates the killing of Imam Hussein at Karbala after he refused to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad caliph Yazid, and is among the holiest days in the Shia calendar.