Hawzah News Agency- The "Global Mourning of Ashura" ceremony was organized by the Jafari Belief Research, Education, and Introduction Association (JAFARİDER) and drew an unprecedented crowd of scholars, community leaders, political representatives, diplomats, and citizens from across the region.
A Showcase of Unity Across Faith and Politics
Among the distinguished attendees were Hojjat al-Islam Salah al-Din Ozgunduz, Honorary President of Jafarider; Ahmad Mohammadi, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Istanbul; Hasan Babur, President of Jafarider; Şamil Ayrim, Istanbul MP from the Justice and Development Party (AKP); Istanbul Governor Davut Gül; officials from Küçükçekmece and Arnavutköy, mayors, scholars, leaders of NGOs, and international diplomatic representatives, including the Consul General of Iraq.
The event was also supported by representatives from various sects and religious communities, including the Cem Foundation’s Head of Alevi Islamic Doctrine Services, Masoud Yıldırım.
A Message Beyond Mourning: Resistance, Justice, and Unity
In an impassioned address, Hasan Babur, President of Jafarider, emphasized that the ceremony was more than an expression of grief:
“We did not gather here just to mourn Imam Hussein (AS), but to emulate his stance. Mourning is not just weeping—it is standing firm, refusing to remain silent, and siding with the oppressed. From Istanbul to Karbala, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Africa, we must unite against oppression and raise our voices with the courage of Lady Zainab (AS).”
Masoud Yıldırım of the Cem Foundation echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Karbala as both a tragedy and a timeless source of inspiration:
“Karbala is a refuge for the oppressed and a call to resistance. The Ahl al-Bayt (AS) are not just historical figures but living beacons of truth and justice for all people.”
Hojjat al-Islam Salah al-Din Ozgunduz delivered a powerful political and religious message, condemning recent attacks against Iran and voicing solidarity with the global resistance front:
“We curse the attacks by Israel and America on the Islamic Republic of Iran. The issue of Gaza and Al-Aqsa is not one country’s burden—it is the responsibility of the entire Ummah. If we stand together, no imperialist power can defeat us.”
Şamil Ayrim, MP for Istanbul, spoke on the spiritual significance of the day:
“Ashura is not just a day of sorrow—it is a call to justice and dignity. Imam Hussein (AS) taught us that the head that does not bow to oppression is the most honorable. His martyrdom is a living resistance that transcends time.”
Karbala: A Timeless Struggle Between Right and Wrong
Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized that Karbala is not just a historical event but a universal and eternal struggle between truth and falsehood, between justice and tyranny. From theatrical performances to poetic recitations and traditional laments, the event created an atmosphere of solemn remembrance and renewed commitment to the values embodied by Imam Hussein (AS).
The commemoration once again affirmed Istanbul's unique role as a bridge between East and West and a city where the legacy of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) continues to inspire faith, resistance, and solidarity.
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